What is a case study?

The intention of a case study is to synthesize information that you have learned about the Geosciences side of your chosen material with the Art Historical information, and present a work of art (or group of related works) that is (are) a good example of both. Your case study should address the following issues:

What is this work? In other words, when was it made, for whom, who paid for it, what does it represent, etc. Establish the basic information about the work.
What about this work takes advantage of or showcases the physical properties of its material? Did the artist use a specific technique to really show off those properties?
Does the ease or difficulty of accessing this material in nature help us to better understand this work? In what way?
How would the artist (or another individual) have to prepare this material in order for it to be used as an art material? Consider quarrying and shipping, grinding, purifying, and other methods that would render the material useable for the artist.
What are the symbolic associations of this material? How do they correspond to the physical and material properties?
How do those symbolic properties affect our understanding of the work in question? Remember, symbolic associations can vary by religion, culture, and date, so be sure that you are addressing the symbolism that is appropriate to the context of your work.
Finish your case study by tying everything together with a final statement that synthesizes the Geosciences and Art History sides of your analysis.
What do I submit?