In Ecuador, there is an equator monument located near Quito called ‘La Mitad del Mundo.’ In 1736, a French explorer Charles Marie determined the placement of the equatorial line in Ecuador, advancing geographical science. In its place, a monument was created. The monument was made from iron, concrete, and covered with andesite stone that was cut and polished. The word andesite is derived from the Andes Mountains in South America, where andesite is common. Andesite is the volcanic equivalent of diorite. Quito is located near volcanos, so it was a local source where andesite was available. The importance of this monument is to be able to reflect on the Ecuadorian culture, and to even reflect on the findings from the explorer. It gives tourists
