Part of a haematite vein from Eas an Fholaich, near Loch Eilt, west of Fort William, Invernessshire. British Geological Survey Petrology Collection sample number MC 7446.
Haematite is an iron ore mineral composed of iron oxide. It belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and can occur as stubby black rhombohedral crystals or more commonly massive, granular masses, compact, or soft and earthy. It has a dark cherry streak. There is evidence that haematite in veins has been known in Scotland from a very early date. In the middle of the 18th century haematite was mined at Tomintoul, Pennel Burn in Ayrshire and at Garleton in East Lothian. Iron ores come in many forms from bog iron ores, sedimentary bedded ores, to ore deposits injected as metalliferous intrusions. Haematite is often in the latter category.
Posted by Bob McIntosh
Ferniehill, Gilmerton, Edinburgh. Limestone mine subsidence event, November 9th 2000 to March 2001; 'Tumbledown Terrace'. The subsidence has caused damage to buildings, roads etc. The Carboniferous Gilmerton Limestone was quarried and mined at Ferniehill from time immemorial until about 1829. Collapsing old limestone mineworkings were responsible for what became catastrophic damage to many properties.
Download a leaflet explaining the subsidence, by Mike Bowne
Posted by Bob McIntosh
William Smith: Geological section from London to Snowdon showing the varieties of the strata and the correct altitudes of the hills. Published: London : J. Carey, 1819.
Extract from William Smith's Geological section from London to Snowdon showing the Stonebrash Hills, the Chalk Hills and the intervening Vale of Isis and Vale of Aylesbury.
Extract from William Smith's Geological section from London to Snowdon showing the mountains of North Wales.
The section came with an accompanying 'Legend'.
Posted by Bob McIntosh
