In this section of The Professional Edge, we learn about geoscientists and their profession through their favourite rocks. For this issue, we asked the current, incoming and outgoing geoscience members of Council, the APEGS national representative to Geoscientists Canada and the one geoscientist staff member to share their favourite rock from anywhere in the world, as well as provide us with a glimpse of some unique geological features from our own province through GeoExplore Saskatchewan.
Dr. Kevin Ansdell, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.), Representative to Geoscientists Canada, Professor and Professional Geoscientist
Favourite rock: Purple-banded fluorite (Blue John)
Where I found it: Castleton in the Peak District, close to Sheffield, England where I grew up. Every shop there has an array of samples, jewelry and ornaments.
Why it matters to me: It reminds me of high school field trips and my geology teacher, Peter Kennett — the reason I am geologist. He still does geology outreach in Sheffield.
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: The Precambrian rocks in the Creighton and Flin Flon area.
Why it’s cool: The area’s spectacular outcrops attract geologists from all over the world. It has a rich history of mining and it is where I first looked at rocks in Saskatchewan as part of my Ph.D. It’s still a mecca for Saskatchewan’s young geology students.
Cory Belyk, P.Geo., Councillor (outgoing May 2020), Exploration Geologist
Favourite rock: Ammonite fossil measuring 45 centimetres in diameter with gem-quality red mineralization.
Where I found it: It was on my grandfather’s hearth and likely comes from the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, dating to around 70 million years ago.
Why it matters to me: My grandfather collected rocks, minerals and fossils, and this was one of several specimens that I admired as a child. As an aspiring geologist, I respected its age, beauty and rareness.
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: Scotty the T. Rex and the Eastend area.
Why it’s cool: The T. Rex Discovery Centre is Saskatchewan’s own Tyrell-like museum based on an important dinosaur discovery in the Frenchman River Valley, which transects the boundary associated with the extinction of dinosaurs.
Alix Cruickshank, P.Geo., Councillor, Environmental Geoscientist
Favourite rock: Pieces of potash
Where I found it: I collected them while on a tour of the Nutrien Allan Potash Mine. They now sit on display in my office.
Why it matters to me: It is a beautiful rock! Potash is the official mineral of Saskatchewan, which I have now called home for over 10 years.
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: Conglomerate Cliffs, Cypress Hills.
Why it’s cool: The Cypress Hills are the highest point in Saskatchewan and the conglomerate cliffs are a unique sight of ancient gravels turned to solid rock, which now form cliffs providing spectacular views.
Kristen Darr, P.Geo., President-elect, Environmental Geoscientist
Favourite formation: Saskatchewan Landing, where the South Saskatchewan River enters Lake Diefenbaker.
How I found it: I have been going there since I was a baby but did not appreciate its beauty and geographic features until I was a teen.
Why it matters to me: So many great memories to pass on to my kids: Pure Saskatchewan beauty, the water rising in the spring, the stifling summer heat and the unforgettable sunsets behind the sand hills.
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: As a geographer, it’s the map! I also look forward to checking out the landforms and water drainage sections once complete.
Why it’s cool: It highlights so many Saskatchewan features. You are bound to learn something new and explore from there.
Gavin Jensen, P.Geo., Councillor, Petroleum Research Geologist
Favourite rock: Limestone – Ordovician Red River Formation (approximately 450 million years ago).
Where I found it: It is quarried in Manitoba and called Tyndall Stone. It can be found. on numerous Canadian buildings, including the T. C. Douglas building in Regina (pictured left). I also have a limestone core from an oil well near Weyburn, where oil is produced from the same formation (pictured right).
Why it matters to me: It’s a rare formation that can produce building materials and host an oil reservoir, 500 kilometres apart! Is there a harder working rock in Canada?
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: T. Rex Discovery Centre.
Why it’s cool: Located in the beautiful Frenchman River Valley, this world class geologic treasure is like no other in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Kate MacLachlan, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.), APEGS Director of Academic Review, Precambrian Geologist
Favourite rock: Precambrian Quartzite
Where I found it: I have mapped these rocks in the Savant-Sturgeon Greenstone Belt, Ont., the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt, NWT and the Hickson Lake Assemblage in northern Saskatchewan.
Why it matters to me: Quartzite is a distinctive rock type of Precambrian continental cover sequences which mark boundaries between rocks of different age and origin. Archean quartzite commonly contains a chromium-bearing mica called fuchsite, which is a vibrant green colour, making them beautiful as well as geologically significant.
Favourite Saskatchewan feature in GeoExplore: Grasslands National Park (East Block).
Why it’s cool: It’s a huge but relatively unknown area of badlands in Saskatchewan. I go there every summer with my daughter to experience the peace and beauty and hunt for fossils.
Erin Moss Tressel, P.Eng, P.Geo., Councillor, Geological Engineer
Favourite rock: Small garnets, which were a deep merlot colour.
Where I found it: In my grandfather’s rock collection on our family farm.
Why it matters to me: My grandfather was an avid rock collector and he liked to polish rocks. He polished these garnets and I remember making a necklace out of one when I was a child. My kids still use his rock polisher today.
Favourite feature in GeoExplore Saskatchewan: The Precambrian Shield north of Lake Athabasca.
Why it’s cool: The rock cliffs, mixed forest, lakes and streams are not what is typically associated with Saskatchewan. Having grown up in the middle of the grain belt in southern Saskatchewan, the geological diversity of our province always amazes me.