Thompson Valley Rock Club

Kamloops Geology

Additional Information

Kamloops Geology

The City of Kamloops lies in the middle of the Quesnel Terrain. The Quesnel Terrain main units consist of the Harper Ranch Group, the Nicola Formation, the Kamloops Group plus some intrusive rocks.

The Kamloops Group are one of the youngest group of rocks in the Kamloops area. Predominantly, these rocks are basalt’s and andesites, often forming plateaus. There are some sedimentary rocks associated with this group.

The Nicola Group are older rocks than the Kamloops Group and consist of both volcanic and sedimentary rock. The volcanic’ s are basalt’s andesites and sedimentary rocks ranging from shale to mud and sandstone.

Older than the Nicola Group is the Harper Ranch Group. The Harper Ranch Group is composed mainly of sedimentary rocks. These rocks include argillite, siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate and some carbonates (such as limestone).

The intrusive’ s found in the area intrude the Nicola Group and lesser so in the Harper Ranch Group. There are three main locations of intrusive’ s, the Wild Horse Batholithic (East of Stump Lake), the Nicola Horst (between Stump Lake and Logan Lake) and the Guichon Batholithic (West of Logan Lake and host to the Highland Valley Copper Mine). Generally, these intrusive rocks are granitic.

There is an abundance of rock hounding sites around Kamloops. A few examples of interesting specimens that can be found in the local host rocks are:

· The Kamloops Group volcanic rocks are a great source of agates.

· Limestone from the Harper Ranch Group may have crinoid fossils

· Sulphide minerals (chalcopyrite, pyrite) may be found associated with the various intrusive rocks in the area.

Reference: Geological Survey of Canada Open File 6659, BC Government MapPlace

Our Code Of Ethics

ROCK HOUNDING CODE OF ETHICS

1 I will respect private property and do no rockhounding without the owner’s permission.

2 I will use no firearms or blasting material in rockhounding areas.

3 I will take garbage home or deposit in proper receptacles.

4 I will leave gates as found.

5 I will do no wilful damage to materials or take more than I can reasonably use.

6 I will fill excavations which may be dangerous to livestock.

7 I will build fires in designated places or safe places only and make sure they are

completely extinguished before leaving.

8 I will not contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.

9 I will not tamper with signs, structural facilities or equipment.

10 I will obey all laws and regulations of forestry and game departments in the area in which I am hunting.

11 I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources and wild life.

12 I will always use good outdoor manners.

13 I will show respect to other members.