Black Scar Quarry
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ230052 | — | Favourable | 1.18 | 2023-12-20 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Carboniferous, Permian · Rock Type: Limestone, Sandstone, Shale
Description
Description This disused quarry, exposing Permian copper ores within Lower Carboniferous rocks belonging to the Underset Limestone, displays a form of mineralisation that is unique within the Pennine Orefield, being transitional between those of the northern and southern Pennines. It is thus of considerable mineralogical importance. The quarry face exposes up to 20 metres of rock with limestone overlying heavily carbonated sandstone. Within the latter secondary copper minerals are much in evidence. Above the sandstone, lying within the limestone beds of Brigantian age, are thin beds of shale and sandstone which are impregnated with the blue and green copper carbonates azurite and malachite. The site is of importance in displaying this unusual, metal rich ore deposit. The pipes and flats containing the ore give clear evidence of the influence of the deep Carboniferous and Permian basins to the east on mineralisation in the Pennine Orefields. The site is therefore of high research importance. Other Information The site is identified as being of national importance in the Geological Conservation Review.