Geology
Online geological map of Scotland and glossary
Scottish Geology provides a national geological map, which is accompanied by comprehensive descriptions of the geology of specific regions across Scotland. This website also provides a glossary of geological terms.
Identifying Stone Types - free guidance notes
Field guidance notes (get download) prepared by the CSA's Carved Stones Adviser Project to help volunteer surveyors to identify of different stone types used for gravestones.
Earth Science Education Unit
The Earth Science Education Unit, based at Keele University, provides free educational resources cross England, Scotland and Wales including:
Online rock identification guides
General help with identifying different rock types can be found on the Potteries Museum's website, which offers a straightforward guide to distinguishing between the most common types of rocks and on the Government of British Columbia's Ministry of Energy and Mines, from which a comprehensive guide to identifying rocks can be downloaded. As both these resources deal with geology outside Scotland they offer useful introductions rather than definitive guidance.
Stones In Archaeology
The Stones in Archaeology database is accessible both to beginners and those with geological experience and allows the identification of stone samples by searching on the distinctive physical properties of a stone. The results of the search can be backed up by macroscopic and thin-section photomicrographs of the sample and any geologically relevant information.The database provides information regarding the use, quarry location / vicinity and distribution of the stone throughout various periods of history. The resource's ability to be manipulated in many different ways enables specific questions to be asked about trade and exchange, movement of materials and distribution.
Page last updated May 2010