Wake Tech’s Outdoor Geology Laboratory (OGL) is a unique learning environment – a collection of rock boulders representing North Carolina’s varied geological makeup. This hands-on laboratory, named “Mountains to the Sea Outdoor Geology Lab Pathway,” includes 13 boulders collected by Wake Tech geology faculty from 11 quarry sites across the state. A 14th boulder was later added to the Scott Northern Wake Campus OGL after workers struck rock while digging to lay the foundation for Building H.

OGLs were installed at both the Scott Northern Wake and Southern Wake campuses, providing students with hands-on learning experiences to reinforce classroom education in geology. The boulders were a generous gift from Martin Marietta Materials.

Virtual tour

Use the list below to access detailed information about each Outdoor Geology Laboratory rock sample.

• 1a. Mica Schist from Bessemer City 
• 1b. Granite Pegmatite from Bessemer City 
• 2. Marble from Kings Mountain 
• 3. Meta-Argillite from Asheboro 
• 4a. Gabbro from Concord 
• 4b. Diabase from Concord 
• 5. Greenstone from Burlington 
• 6. Monzonite from Thomasville 
• 7. Diorite from Raleigh 
• 8. Grano-diorite with pegmatitic dikes from Garner 
• 9. Rolesville Granite from Raleigh (found at Scott Northern Wake Campus) 
• 10. Meta-Tuff from Benson 
• 11. Castle Hayne Limestone from Castle Hayne 
• 12. Onslow Limestone from Maysville