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Natural Zeolite field trip
Pre-conference field trip to the natural zeolite localities of Strontian and the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Dates: Monday 29th June to Saturday 4th July 2015
Leaders: Dr. Linda Campbell, Dr. Oneta Wilson, Professor Alan Dyer and Professor Craig Williams
Booking: Expression of interest should be made by e-mail to info@minersoc.org or during online registration for the conference. Spaces will be allocated to those attending the conference in the first instance. Expressions of interest in this excursion must be received by Friday 27th February 2015. Thereafter, spaces will be allocated on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 28 places. The registration/payment process will be completed if a viable number of delegates has been secured by the conference registration deadline, 1st March 2015. All payments must be made in full by this date.
Outline of sites to be visited:
Strontian, Argyll. Rare Ba-Sr zeolites brewsterite, edingtonite, harmotome, plus other mineral assemblages including carbonates and large galena and sphalerite crystals. Intrusive and metamorphic host rocks.
Northern and central Mull: Amygdaloidal and vein occurrences of zeolite-rich mineral assemblages in the Tertiary basalt lavas, and common occurrences of saponite with appropriate alteration conditions.. Basalt dykes and sediment-volcanic interactions, with opportunities to search for sapphire and mullite (Loch Scridian). Spectacular scenery and geomorphological features associated with Pleistocene glaciation (Loch na Keal).
Isle of Staffa: The famous basalt columnar jointing at Fingal’s Cave can be visited, subject to sea conditions (boat trip, with landing on the island).
Social and cultural:
Scotland offers a strong, rich and varied cultural heritage, and we shall experience ancient monuments to specialist local arts, crafts and cuisine (haggis, salmon and whisky, among the most famous). The natural environment of the Highlands and Islands is breath-taking, and in mid-summer, enjoys daylight long into the evenings. The field trip shall offer unlimited opportunities for social and scientific discussion in the field, in our “local-lab”§, at dinner, and of course at the spa! Our clay mineralogists might wish to make a special investigation of the hotel's Rasul Mud Room! §A facility for the microscopic examination of hand specimens shall be provided by Professor Alan Dyer at the Isle of Mull Hotel.
As alternatives to the Staffa trip which is subject to sea conditions, the Isle of Iona offers Precambian rocks and Celtic Christian heritage sites, and the restored, historic Duart Castle (with shoreline zeolites), offers a taste of the drama of the Scottish Clans over several centuries.
Recommended Clothing: Strong, ideally waterproof footwear is recommended. A waterproof coat is essential, with availability of warm layers of clothing, extra socks, optional sun-screen, insect repellent and sun hat (all recommended).
Protected Geo-sites: Some localities are SSSI and/or heritage-protected, where hammering is banned. However, sampling is possible at most localities, including Strontian.
Accommodation: We shall be staying in two Scottish hotels, mostly in shared, twin or triple rooms. A small number of single rooms might be available, subject to early booking and supplementary charge.
Monday 29 June, one night at the Clan MacDuff Hotel & Restaurant, Fort William, PH33 6RW.
Tel. +44(0)1397 702341
Tuesday to Saturday, from 30 June, four nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, Craignure, Isle of Mull, PA65 6BB. Telephone: +44 (0)1680 812544. Spa facilities available to residents include swimming pool, steam room, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.
Field trip price: £650 *
* Price includes all travel, hotel accommodation, food (lunch, dinner, bed & breakfast) and field guidebook, but excludes Staffa option (estimated £30 supplement).
The mode of travel will be by minibus, departing from and returning to Edinburgh. A separate vehicle will accommodate delegates’ luggage.
Field trip will be led by Dr. Linda Campbell, Dr. Oneta Wilson, Professor Alan Dyer and Professor Craig Williams.
Booking: Expression of interest should be made by e-mail to info@minersoc.org or during online registration for the conference. Spaces will be allocated to those attending the conference in the first instance. Expressions of interest in this excursion must be received by Friday 27th February 2015. Thereafter, spaces will be allocated on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 28 places. The registration/payment process will be completed if a viable number of delegates has been secured by the conference registration deadline, 1st March 2015. All payments must be made in full by this date.
