Vancouver Island Rocks

Red Jasper can be found many places on the island, beaches, rivers and mountain roads. The red colour comes from included Hematite an Iron mineral. Can be quite hard and will take a good polish.

These are samples of Sandstone. The black and white to gray speckle colour are good identifiers. The colour can also be darker. Small grains of sand and other minerals are the basic make-up. Quite soft and easy to break. Sandstone is mostly found on the South and East sides of the island.

Let's start with some common/basic VI rocks. These specimens are the base rock of our island called Basalt. An extrusive volcanic rock, older black to green Basalts are found on the East coast of the island. Younger Basalts are found on the West coast the colour is mostly dark black.

Welcome to Vancouver Island Rocks! I grew up on the Island and started my interest in rocks when I was five. Now with over 50 years of rockhounding experience I can help you to identify your finds and maybe help with some tips. Contact me thru this site or drop in if you have time and we can talk rocks. Check out our terra crystal page for hundreds of local rock & mineral photos.