Loanhead Quarry
Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland, UK
Key Information
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Loanhead Quarry is located 2 km north of Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland, UK, about 20 km from Glasgow.
It is known for minerals like Greenockite, Prehnite, and various zeolites, with some rare formations.
The quarry is in basalts from the Lower Carboniferous period, with minerals formed by hydrothermal alteration.
It remains active, operated by Tarmac Roadstone, with a landfill section since 2012.
Beith has a rich history, including smuggling and notable figures like Alexander Montgomerie and Rev. John Witherspoon.
The climate is temperate oceanic, with potential ecological impacts from quarrying.
Geographic Location
Loanhead Quarry sits in the scenic countryside of North Ayrshire, just 2 km north of Beith and 20 km from central Glasgow. Beith is a small town with nearby settlements like Lochwinnoch (3.7 km) and Kilbirnie (5.4 km), making it accessible yet tranquil for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
The quarry is famous for a variety of minerals, including rare Greenockite (orange cadmium sulfide) often found in Prehnite matrices, and prized zeolites like Heulandite and Thomsonite. Other minerals include Andradite, Grossular, Calcite, Quartz, and Silver, appealing to collectors for their beauty and rarity.
Geological Structure
Excavated in basalts of the Clyde Plateau Lavas, formed over 300 million years ago, the quarry features three lava flows up to 800 meters thick. A 15-meter-wide dolerite dyke separates active areas. Minerals formed through hydrothermal alteration of primary minerals like olivine, creating secondary treasures in vesicles and joints.
Mining History
Loanhead Quarry is still active, with Tarmac Roadstone (Scotland) Ltd operating the north-eastern part. Since 2012, the south-western section has been a landfill managed by W.H. Malcolm Limited, using inert soils, reflecting its ongoing industrial role.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Beith, with a population of about 6,156, has a history of smuggling and linen production, now a commuter town for Glasgow. It hosts an annual parade and fete, and is linked to figures like 16th-century poet Alexander Montgomerie and Rev. John Witherspoon, a signer of the American Declaration of Independence. The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow showcases local zeolites, highlighting cultural significance.
Climate and Ecology
The area likely has a temperate oceanic climate, typical for Scotland, with mild winters and cool summers. Quarrying and landfill operations may impact local ecology, though specific details are limited, offering a backdrop for mineral exploration.