Rocks

Living history presenter working with soapstoneZoomThe diversity of Shetland’s rocks and minerals has provided island residents with a variety of resources for a wide range of uses. Quartz was an invaluable substitute for the flint used to create arrowheads in other parts of Britain and Europe during the Mesolithic. Beautiful felsite was used in the Neolithic to make polished weapons for ceremonial purposes.  In the Bronze Age rocks of all kinds were, heated in fires then used to heat large quantities of water at the numerous burnt mound sites found throughout the islands. 

Later, Iron Age builders throughout Shetland exploited whatever stone was locally available to build over 100 stone towers or brochs. Sandstone is undoubtedly the most suited to the purpose – as testified by the broch of Mousa, still standing to almost its original height.  More recently, Viking and Norse inhabitants quarried the easily carved and versatile soapstone to make a number of vital domestic items including bowls, bakeplates, loomweights and fishing weights, while in the 19th and 20th centuries limestone was roasted to create lime for building and agricultural purposes. Today the process of exploitation continues with numerous quarries producing talc, sandstone for roadstone and various crushed rocks for concrete and other uses.