Rocks and Buildings in Orkney

sandstone limestone

conglomerate

We are studying rocks and minerals as part of our Materials investigation this term. We are testing for rock properties. We know these properties make rocks and minerals suitable for particular jobs.

The name for the study of rocks is geology.

Can you identify each local rock sample pictured on the blog?

We have found out there are 3 types of rock, IGNEOUS , METAMORPHIC and SEDIMENTARY.

We know Orkney has a lot of sedimentary rock (check out the BBC Learning Zone Class Clips animation link) in particular old red sandstone.

Sedimentary rock is rich in fossils.

Any rock or fossil examples locally that can be shared with us would be very much appreciated.

We have found out that local rocks used for building in Orkney in the past were sandstone, conglomerate and limestone.

We would welcome the expertise of a local builder who could explain to us the benefits and problems with old local building materials and advantages that new materials they work with might have .

We will be looking for rock samples around the school grounds and going to look for materials used in local Kirkwall buildings.