A study in the mineral composition of the soils of South Ayrshire

Abstract

1. A detailed mineralogical analysis was carried out on soils, specially selected by members of the Soil Survey.2. The heavy liquid separation showed a higher percentage of ferromagnesian minerals in soils from the Northern than the Southern Drift area.3. The minerals identified in the soils may be referred to fairly local origins, but no close relationship with subjacent rock has been established.4. The mineral assemblage was characteristically fresh and angular.5. Hypersthene, sphalerite and hornblende are characteristic of the Southern Drift, while barkevikite is more pronounced in the Northern Drift.6. Comparisons are made with results obtained by investigators in other areas.