Thread by @MiningNS

In the 1800s, #NovaScotia sold the best #grindstones in #NorthAmerica! A #grindstone is a round stone, usually #sandstone, used for sharpening tools. #LowerCove in #Cumberland County was the main area where the #stones were extracted, shaped and exported from.
#nspoli #NS #mining

The biggest company was #Atlantic #Grindstone which operated from 1831 to the early 1900s in #LowerCove because it had excellent quality #sandstone and access to #tidewater for exporting. Access to tidewater is still a key advantage for #NovaScotia #mining companies.
#nspoli #NS

Prior to the 1800s, #Acadians produced #grindstones from #LowerCove and other sites on #ChignectoBay for domestic use. The #British army used grindstones from #LowerCove to sharpen their weapons in the #Warof1812.
#nspoli #NovaScotia #NS #mining #minerals #geology

The industry blossomed when #Atlantic #Grindstone started. Within a couple years it employed more than 100 men and had several #quarries. Its #stones were considered the best in #NorthAmerica and production tripled from 10,300 stones in 1831 to 30,671 in 1834.
#nspoli #NovaScotia

#Atlantic #Grindstone had 4 #quarries on land. It also extracted from the intertidal zone at low tide. Slabs of rock were loosened by gunpowder, tied to rafts and floated ashore at high tide to be cut. A skilled worker could cut 15-20 stones a day, up to 2.5m in diameter.
#nspoli

#Atlantic #Grindstone was sold to an American company in 1904. The foundation of its plant and a few original buildings that are now homes can still be found. Footings for the wharf and unfinished #grindstones are still visible in the intertidal zone.
#nspoli #NovaScotia #NS

The saying "keep your nose to the #grindstone" means to be conscientious and work hard - something #NovaScotia's #mining industry is familiar with! The saying first appeared in the 1500s.
#nspoli #NS #minerals #geology