Thread by @MiningNS

We love getting questions about mining, minerals and geology!
We were asked about these unusual-looking rocks at Roy Island, just west of #MelmerbyBeach in #Pictou County.

#nspoli #cbpoli #novascotia #capebreton
@TimHoustonNS @karla_macf_pc @SeanFraserMP

Coincidentally, Ron van Dommellen, who has a great web site about #NovaScotia minerals (nsminerals.atspace.com), visited the same site recently and reports that the rocks at Roy Island have many plant fossils in them, including sections of branches and trunks.
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The darker rocks in the centre are a plant fossil that has become a mixture of stone and coal.
The Geological Survey of Canada suggests the yellow material in the picture is likely jarosite, a mineral that contains iron, sulfate and potassium.
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The jarosite forms at Roy Beach as pyrite in the coal is eaten by an iron-eating bacteria called ferrobacillus thiobacillus. This bacteria is active when humidity reached 70% so the shoreline is a good spot for it.
#nspoli #cbpoli #novascotia #capebreton

Unfortunately, this powdery jarosite turns to dust when touched but this spot is under a bit of an overhang that has protected it.
Jarosite is a relatively uncommon mineral on earth but it seems to be quite common on Mars, where it was discovered...
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...by the Mars Exploration Rover named Opportunity in 2004. The fact that jarosite is on Mars tells us that Mars used to have water since it’s necessary to the formation of jarosite.
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In fact, NASA scientists said the rock where jarosite was found was once "drenched with water,” giving us important insight into the red planet’s past and whether it might have been able to support life at some point.
#nspoli #cbpoli #novascotia #capebreton