Study of Permian, Cretaceous, and Cenozoic rocks in the 30 Kent quad- rangle is important to an understanding of the geology of Trans-Pecos Texas. Most of the Cretaceoua rock units of central Texas lose their lithostratigraphic identity when traced into west Texas. The Kent quadrangle, astride the Diablo Platform, is one of the critical areas of intervening stratigraphy between central Texas to the east and the geosyncline in Mexico to the west and southwest.

Studies of physiographic relations and of fossil molluscan faunas made in the Pecos River valley region (Val Verde County to the Texas�New Mexico border) reveal extensive, well-pedimented surfaces southwest of the river extending from the Davis Mountains to near the present channel.

The departure point of the Villa Capri Motor Hotel may be gone, but the geologic information within Guidebook Number 3 remains relevant to this day:  "The four stops of this field trip are in the Upper Eocene (Jackson) and Oligocene volcanic ash and bentonite beds, which crop out about 50 miles southeast of Austin. In the road log, the geology of the area between Austin and these volcanic beds is only briefly noted.

Stones and minerals that are sufficiently beautiful, durable, and rare are known as gemstones. A gemstone with only one of these qualities is less desirable than one with all three. For example, a stone with rich color but not sufficiently durable to withstand daily wear in rings finds little favor as a gemstone except in brooches or pins where the stone is relatively safe from abrasion. Likewise, a stone that is beautiful and durable may be of little interest as a gemstone because it is commonly found in great quantities.

In the past 100 years, more than 100 names have been used to designate parts or all of the outcropping Midway and Wilcox rocks in the Gulf Coastal Plain; less than half of these names are used currently by Coastal Plain geologists, and the validity of some of the remaining named rock units has been questioned in certain recent studies. A compilation of these names shows the development of present-day terminology.