Canadian Rockhound: Rockhounding in Nova Scotia

Rockhounding in Nova Scotia
By Doug Wilson

This article looks at the geology and mineralogy of Nova Scotia, a Canadian province located on the east coast of Canada. In addition, I have provided some information on rockhounding in this province. This same article is posted at our MineralCity Exchange website. You can expect to see a fair number of articles on the different aspects of collecting in this province by visiting our wbesite. This is the first part of our series on the mineral hobby "Down East".

Geology of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia boasts a varied geological history spanning almost 1 billion years. On a former plate margin, the province is home to huge basalt flows thought to be related to the Palisades Disturbance of New York. The South Mountain Batholith forms the backbone of the province, the cores of the ancient Acadian Orogeny. The Atlantic coast is flanked in deep the sea sediments of the Meguma Formation. Laced with quartz veins, this region spawned a productive gold mining industry in the 1860's and some exploration and development continues today. To the north, vast thicknesses of carboniferous sediments host large coal reserves while older layers are exploited for their salt and gypsum deposits. Coal is also mined in Cape Breton. As well, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park rests on a plateau of highly deformed Precambrian rocks with a topography and scenery strikingly similar to that of the famous Scottish Highlands.

Minerals

Nova Scotia is best known for its zeolites found in the late Jurassic basalts of the North Mountain along the Bay of Fundy. A wide variety of minerals may be found in the veins and amygdaloids of this lava. There are two major areas for collecting here: the north shore of the Bay from Cap D'or through Parrsboro to Five Islands, and the eastern side of the bay from Cape Blomidon to Brier Island.

Calcite
Figure 1. Fine specimens of chabazite and calcite scalenohedra
are found near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Photo courtesy of Doug Wilson.

Near Parrsboro, pockets in a basalt flow breccia have yielded what are probably the best chabazites in the world. Specimens collected in the last century often take the form of plates of bright orange 3 cm rhombohedra (locally called "acadialite"), sometimes sprinkled with like-sized bright yellow stilbite or steep white calcite scalenohedra. These associations are spectacular! Modern-day collecting is more limited and generally specimens do not compare with those collected years ago, but there is still excellent material to be had if 1 cm crystals are acceptable. Rarer is gmelinite. It is similar in appearance to chabazite but forms very distinctive low hexagonal bipyramids ("flying saucers"). These are actually trilling twins and can also be up to 3cm. It is hard to find today, but many specimens likely go unnoticed since it is so similar in appearance to chabazite.

Figure 2. World-class specimens of stilbite are found near
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Photo courtesy of Doug Wilson.

Many regard the best stilbite from this area as "world class", with good reason. Crystals up to 5 cm bundled together in the classic bow-tie habit (Figure 2) are still available in amber to vivid yellow-orange groups. Association with flesh coloured chabazite makes these really desirable. This zeolite suite is one of the most colourful of this mineral family. Usually these minerals are fairly drab in pale pastel shades. Even Poona can't compete with the colour and form of these classics, although the best material is very rare today.

Also found on the north shore are heulandite, apophyllite, analcite, natrolite (Figure 3), mesolite, scolecite, native copper, barite, fluorite, amethyst and other quartz varieties, and uncountable varieties of agates and jaspers. Many of these form association specimens, with 4 or 5 five species commonly represented on a single piece.

Collecting

Rockhounding in this area is generally easy and open, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind if you've never collected minerals here before. Since these are shoreline exposures, collectors should limit their take to what can reasonably be carried. Commercial collecting is not permitted in most areas since this can seriously damage beach environments and lead to excessive erosion and loss of shoreline habitat. There are severe penalties for removing large amounts of material from beaches in Nova Scotia, ranging from fines to imprisonment. All responsible collectors will understand this and exercise restraint when visiting shoreline occurrences.

Wasson's Bluff, near Parrsboro, is the site of rare dinosaur and primitive mammal discoveries, as well as the source of some of the finest chabazite known. Because the fossils represent such an important scientific resource, the area is protected under the Special Places regulations of the province. No material may be removed from the exposures along this stretch of coastline, either fossil or mineral. Collecting is permitted on a limited basis, but only from loose material at the base of the cliffs and only in quantities that can reasonably be carried in two hands (ie: one or two specimens). Talus does qualify as collectible material, but do not climb the slopes. Aside from being dangerous, this creates unnecessary erosion and can damage adjacent fossil beds. Collectors should consider Wasson's Bluff a hammer-free zone.

Figure 3. Natrolite, found on the north shore near
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Photo courtesy of Doug Wilson.

Activities

There is a lot to do along the Parrsboro shore if you're interested in mineral collecting. The Fundy Geological Museum houses a fine representation of Nova Scotian minerals and fossils. The Parrsboro Rock Shop and Museum, run by Eldon and Elaine George is a must-see. The Georges have collected for years along this part of the Bay of Fundy and have many fine specimens on display and also for sale. If you're visiting in the middle of August, you'll arrive just in time to attend the Nova Scotia Mineral and Gem Show in Parrsboro. This is a great event with dealers, demonstrations, and field trips. If you are interested in any of these activities, just e-mail us at the Mineral City Exchange for details and dates.

Guided Field Trips

Mineral City Exchange offers guided field trips for individuals and groups to a variety of collecting localities in Nova Scotia. Let us know when you intend to be here and we'll be happy to send you information. Just e-mail us, or send your request by snail-mail to:

wilson.minerals@ns.sympatico.ca

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