The Frodingham Ironstone, Scunthorpe:
Jurassic Ironstone palaeo-environments associated with the Market Weighton Swell
North Lincolnshire Museum & Conesby Quarry, Scunthorpe
20th May 2023 10:30 - 16:00 BST
led by Dr Kevin Taylor and Dr Mick Oates
Part of the Yorkshire Geology Month celebrations
Scunthorpe’s iron industry was founded on the Frodingham Ironstone - a highly fossiliferous, Lower Jurassic oolitic ironstone. Rocks such as these have played important roles in the industrial past but the environments that produced them are not always clear cut.
This trip will explore the historical and geological significance of oolitic ironstone with visits to both the North Lincolnshire Museum and a local disused quarry.
Ammonites from the Frodingham Ironstone on display in the North Lincolnshire Museum
Meeting point:
10:30 at North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD (near Scunthorpe train station; or free parking behind museum)
Itinerary
Introduction (in museum – free entry – donation box in the museum)
Overview of geological and industrial history of the Frodingham Ironstone and Scunthorpe iron works
Chance to see the excellent collection of fossils from the Ironstone collected when pits were in operation).
Travel (2 miles) to Conesby (disused) ironstone pit. We will share cars if needed.
Afternoon in the quarry looking at the ironstones and abundant fossils present. A chance to discuss sedimentological origin, depositional environment and sample collection
End of day – approx. 16:00.
(Under 18’s MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Block of Frodingham ironstone, packed with Gryphaea , the fossil of Scunthorpe’s town crest.