Isle of Skye - Mineral Localities

The re-discovery of this site, first described by Heddle, by the Sussex Mineral Society in the 1980s and the later publication of their early field experiences to it, has put this locality back onto the map of Skye's mineral sites. The quality of the material encountered has now firmly established it as a premier site.

The stilbite and heulandite specimens found here are easily amongst the best to be found on the island.

The location's isolation, the extreme difficulties in accessibility and the physical fitness and guile required should mean only the most experienced of Skye collectors should think of visiting it. For the average or inexperienced collector, it should remain off-limits. Even boat landings have their problems.

Two land views of the Sgurr nam Boc area from the clifftops.

Sgurr nam Boc: OS Map Ref. - NG 360 200.

Land access - From the main road from Drynoch, then south by track to the Glen Brittle area.

The some of the difficulties in gaining access to the location are readily visible in the photographs above.
Rockfalls, inclement weather conditions and a series of other hazards make this site one that is very difficult to reach.
Any attempts to do so are not to be taken lightly!

Minerals reported from Sgurr nam Boc include: analcime, calcite, chalcedony, epistilbite, apophyllite-(KF), heulandite, laumontite, mesolite, mordenite, quartz, stilbite.

The stilbite and heulandite are particularly noteworthy.

Some finds such as that of the summer of 2002, have included stilbite and green apophyllite and, in 2007, a few fine examples of mesolite were uncovered.

A crystal-lined cavity in basalt showing a fine example
of white "wheatsheaf" stilbite from Sgurr nam Boc.

Premier collectors searching among the boulders at the foot of the cliffs for specimens.

A freshly opened cavity revealing crystallized zeolites.

View north along the beach towards the sea stack, Stac an Tuill ("The Bell Tower").

All photographs courtesy of D. McCallum & M. Wood.

More photos of the minerals to be found at Sgurr nam Boc & elsewhere
can be viewed on the mineral galleries pages.