Geological report of the midland counties of North Carolina

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Preface

This Beport is selected from the matter contained in my field notes, wbich has been accnmnlating during the period the snnrej has been in progress. My attention from the first was directed to the mineral interests of the midland connties, but at the commencement of the work, I was obliged to be satisfied with an examination of abandoned mines, and the indications which the conntry afforded of those which had not been observed. Since the second year of the survey, the opportunities for investigating its mines and mineral interests have been much greater, and I have improved them, when possible, for acquiring a more exact knowledge of their characteristics. The Deep river coalfield has been carefully re-examined along the outcrop of coal and its bituminous slate, and the results of these examinations tend to confirm the views I expressed in a former report. It will be perceived, that the products of this coalfield are more valuable than the friends of the Deep river improvements had anticipated. But I believe, if those improvements had been completed at an early day, the prospects at this time would be much better than at the present The mining interests of this State are worthy of the consideration of the public. The auriferous ores are remarkable for their richness. The silver lead of the Lead Hill or Washington mine, is probably not exceeded in value by any mine in this country, and perhaps I may say, in any country. It yields zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold. The processes for the separation have been so simplified that all these metals may be preserved.

VI PREFACE.

The fluctuations in mining property, however, have injured its reputation in several notable instances. This has arisen from speculations. Many mines have been purchased with that view alone. They have been in the hands of stock companies; and it was more c<msonant to the feelings of parties to make money by the forced rise or fall of stocks, than by legitimate mining business. But this is now assuming a more permanent character, and the time is not distant when it will become one of the main sources of the wealth of the State. '

The recorded observations embodied in this Report have been made by those who have been engaged in this survey. We have, it is true, received information from others ; but at the same time it has been made a principle to see for ourselves, and to base every important inference, or doctrine, upon independent observations^

It would be unjust, however, to two distinguished individuals, to intimate that the geology of the State, and its resources, are now, for the first time, placed upon record. The Pioneer in these investigations was Prof. Olmsted, of Yale College. lie was followed immediately by Prof. Mitchell, of Chapel Hill. Tlieir examinations were practical, and highly valuable. Tlieir reports are extremely scarce. I have not referred so frequently to their labors as I should, if I could have had accQSs to them at tlie proper time. But geology has undergone important changes since their investigations were made, and these gentlemen would now put an entirely new phase upon their reports, were they in the field.

It will be seen that I have attempted to determine, more than had been done prior to the commencement of the survey, the age of the formations of this State. The use of the word AGE is comparative, and is always so understood by

PBEFAOS. VU

geological writere. Even in this sense of the word, there are great difficulties to be met and ovel*come, inasmnch as there are no immediate terms of comparison which can be employed ; for instance, tiie lower part of the Deep river coal series which I have called the Permicmj rests npon the Primary and Taconic rocks. Bat the Permian is not connected with the series which immediately preceded it, indeed the three older systems, the Siluriaa, Devonian and Garbonife* ferons, are absent. The long interval during which these systems were being deposited, is a blank, upon the Atlantic slope. The regular succession is interrupted, and during these vastly extended periods, this slope was dry land.

While engaged collecting the matter of this Report, I have not neglected the agricultural interest; but it was thought proper to confine the communication to the subject already indicated. Should another be called for, I propose to pursue the plan which I have adopted in this. The western section of the State follows in the order I originally proposed.

The eastern counties embrace a field of great interest and importance, but it is quite different in its characters from the former, as most of the citizens of the State already know. I hope to complete the examinations of it this autumn and winter ; and during the coming spring and summer, to complete also the survey of the western and south-western counties.

The additional labors which those who are now engaged in the survey have voluntarily undertaken, has impeded the common fieldwork which had been laid out, and has prevented its extension to the western and south-western counties. But this should not be regretted, inasmuch as its advantages will be increased. The additional work referred to, consists in the collection and arrangement of specimens of

Viii PBEFACE.

the rocks and simple minerals and fossils iUustrative of ltd geology and mineral prodnctions. Thej have been arranged in a room provided for the collection in the CapitoL Citizens and strangers visiting Baleigh will be able to form an opinion of the resources of the State by an examination of this collection.

It contains, as yet, only the products of the midland coun* ties; and though it does not make a brilliant show, still it will be found a valuable depository for many purposes.

I deem it necessary only to add to the foregoing statements, the expression of my desire to complete the survey at an early day as possible, consistent with that degree of completeness which shall give satis&ction to its friends, and especially those who projected it.

It is important also to say, that in the printing of this Report, that several of the forms passed through the press without my supervision, and it will be seen that in them are many errors ; these will be found in the proper place, corrected.

EBENEZER EMMONS,

Geologist to Norih-Carolino

Chapter I

Kaiufml DiTifionf of the State; the Three PanJlel Belts or Zones; the Eagtem^ Western sod Hidlsnd lines of Demsrkation between them — Characteristics of these Zones, etc 6—8.

CHAPTER n.

The CMswbs— Its Hannftctarhig Sites— The Qreat Horse Shoe Bend and F^Ols in its lidnitj. 8—18.

CHAPTER IIL Bementsrj &ets and principles respecting the Igneous or Pyroaystalline Rocks. 18— S2.

CHAPTER IV.

Origin of the Sediments.— How distigoished from the EnptiTe Rocks— thickness of the Sediment»-their Classification, etc. 28—87.

CHAPTER V.

Of the Emptire or Pyrocrystalline Rocks of the Midland Counties of North.Carolina— t heir Distribution, etc. 27—86.

CHAPTER VI.

Of the l4tminated Pyrocrystalline Rocks— as Gneiss, Mica snd Taloose Slates and Hornblende. — limestone. 86—88.

CHAPTER VIL

Of the oldest Sediments— their Primary Character or Aspect — difficulty of distin* guishing them from the true Primary or Pyrociystalline Rocks by their Lithological Characters^ etc 88—41.

CHAPTER Vm.

The Rocks referred to, as belonging to the oldest known Sediments, belong in ptLri to the Midland Counties.— They are Slate and Quartzites mainly, and their Sedimentary Origin is baaed mainly upon conformably Pebbly Beds.— They are found to be related to Rocks which are known in the North, and which there constitute the Taoonic srstem. 41—46.

CHAPTER IX.

The Eicplanation of the term System.- The Determination of Systems did not take place in tiie order of their Age. — The Results which hare been obtained by the Determination of their Order.— Species few in the oldest Rocks.— Lithological Character of the Sediments in North-Carolina. 46—48.

CHAPTER X.

Members of the Taoonic system— Division into upper and lower— Minerals give character to the Rock they form in certain cases— Mica and Talcoae slates— Agalmato' lite— Quarts and its associates— Fossils, etc. 46^^9.

CHAPTER XI.

IToamla of the lower Taoonic Series. 69—64.

X TABLE OF OONTENTB.

•

CUAPTER XII.

Upper diTision of the Taoonic sjstem and ito series of rocks. Clay SlateSp Chloritie Sandstones, Cherty beds, Flag stones, and Brecdated conglomerates. 65 — 69.

C9APTER XIII.

On the Quartzite of North-Carolina— Varieties, Geological Relations, etc. 69—78.

CHAPTER XIV.

Origin of Vein Fissures, Dykes, etc. — General considerations relating to them — Kinds of Vein Stone or Gangue — Their relations to heat, etc, — Metallic Veins — Sulphurate—Oxides. 78--81.

CHAPTER XV.

Characters of a Vein Fissure— Distribution of Metal in a Fissure — Inflnence of Walls on the arrangement of the inclosed Ora and Rock, Ite parallel arrangement — Considerations respecting Iron. 82 — 92.

CHAPTER XVI.

Geological ranges ot the Oras or Metals, — Ara eertoin Metals confined to any certain Rocks? 92—97.

CHAPTER XVII.

Circumstances which ikror the accumulation of Ore in Masses— State of the adjacent Rock, (sometimes called the country,) which appean to fiiYor the accumulation of Ore in a Vein — Vicinity of Elrans — Passage of a Vein from one Rock to another —Condition of the Walls of aVein. 97—107.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Directions of the axis of disturbance or the lines of faults and of Dyke Fissures — Direction of Vein Fissures — General conclusions, etc. 108—111.

CHAPTER XIX Repositories of the metals in the midland counties of North-Carolina — They belong to both divisions of the rocks, the primary or pyrocrystalline, and the sediments. — In the former, they are always in veins, or else in beds of the same epoch with the rock; in the latter, in veins, and in the condition of sediments.— Of the ores of iron. 112—128.

CHAPTER XX, Repositories of the Metals continued. — Gold and ite position, ralations, etc. ISS-' 1 86 .

CHAPTER XXI.

Repositories of the Metels continued— Gold associated with Quartzite and Slate and frequently in irregular veins — Seams and natural Jointe. 137 — 141.

CHAPTER XXII.

Repositories of the Metels continued. — Veins belonging to the Slates. — ^True Veins.— Arrangemente of the materials filling the Fissures. — Right running Veins, or cross couraes. — Conrad Hill Gold Mine.— Description of its Veins — their characteristics. 141—164.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Repositories of the Metals continued.— Auriferous Veins. — Gold Hill Gold Mine 154—179.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Repositories of the Metals continued— Gold Veins in the Sycnitic Granite of the Salis-

TABLE OF COKTENTS. XI

barf and Oreenaboroagh belt— M9CuUoc|c Qold Mine— Pioneer Mine— Fisher Hill <aold Mine, eto. 170—188.

CHAPTER XXV.

Bepodtories of Metals continued — Silver ; Washington Silyer mine ; its prolongation, eto, — Character of the Veins at different depths, etc. 18d — 196.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Bcpoeitories of the Metals continued — Veins belonging to Granite — Copper considered as one of the Metals accompanying Gold— Copper Veins of the Granitic formation — Nortb-CaroUna aind otbar Copper Minea of the Granitic districts. 19«— 308.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Bcpositoriea of the Metals oontinued— Lead and its oomfauiations ; its Geological Eelatiops and Associations. 20&— 210.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Repositories of the Metals continued — Zinc« its ores, geological relations and associations. 210—212.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Repositories of the Metals continued— Manganese, its ores, their geological positicu and relations. 218 -814.

CHAPTER XXX.

Gaithj Minerals and Rocks which possess a value in the Arts. — Steatite — Agalmatohte^Pseudo Burrhstone — Roofing Slate — Fire-stone — Fire-clay— Porcelain-claj — Building-stone — Porphyry — Antifriction Rocks, or Rocks which may be employed for the bearings of heavy wheels. 214 — 221. ^

CHAPTER XXXI.

Graphite — Its relations, extent, quality and uses. 221 — 227.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Deep River Coal Field — Masses which compose the formation — considerations respecting its age. 227—239.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Geographical extent of the Coal Measures, together with the under and overlying Sandstones. 239—246.

CHAPTER XXXrV. <2aantity and quality of the Deep River Coal — Composition, etc 246 — 254.

CHAPTER XXXV.

The Dan Rirer Coalfield — Division of the beds composing it. — Conglomerates and Breccia. — Lower Sandstones.- Coal Shales. — Upper Sandstones. — Conglomerates — and Brecciated Conglomerates. 254—261.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Eeonomical Products of the Coal Fields, and of the Red Sandstones. 261—268

CHAPTER XXXVII.

The Advantages of Deep River for the Transportation of Iron, etc. 248—260;

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

History of the Opinions respecting the Age of the Deep and Dan River Formations. Division of the Series with Remarks sustaining it, 271—283.

Xll TABLE OF OOMBNTB.

CHAPTBB ZZZDL Deaoription of Oi^ganio Bemaint of the lower aeriee of Deposits of Deep rirer, which hare been denomiiMted the Permiui ajatem. 288—298.

CHAPTER XL.

Of the Anim«l Bemaina of the Coal Meeaarca of Deep tod Dtn riTer8,->Notioe of the Yertebiml Bemalna of the Bristol Congkunerate, etc^ 298.

CHAPTER XLII.

The Coslfielda of Deep rirer and of Bichmond oompared— 1st aa to their litholo^cal charactera; 2d aa to their palieontological eontenta, and, 8d, the indicatioDa of their oomparstiTe age.

Introduction

Thb BnbjeetB treated of in this Beport are mainly those which relate to the natural resources of the midland counties of the State. It therefore contains a statement of the water power, an account of the depositories of ih^ metals, the materials used in construction, and those which are important to the arts and manufactures.

It is not, however, intended to intimate by the foregoing statement, that the principles of geology have been entirely omitted. IS the subjects alluded to, were treated of without reference to principles, they would lose much of their interest and utility ; for geological investigations cannot be sueceesfully pursued, or their results understood, unless our researches are prosecuted under their guidance. It seemed necessary, therefore, to incorpoi:ate so much of the elements and principles of the science, as appear to be intimately related to the subjects treated of in this Beport.

In its perusal, it may appear to some, that I have occupied too much space to the consideration of subjects which are interesting to a few only, or which may have reference to the author. To such, I will say, that it became necessary to make reference to what I have said and done at former times ; but I believe I could not say less and leave the subjects so as to be understood. Others may not perceive that it is at all necessary that the elements and principles of geology should be at all important in communicating facts respecting the f*eflources of the country. On this question, a medium course fihould probably be pursued. It is not necessary that every fact should be explained. It is only the most important ; those which have a bearing upon practical questions.

I have avoided as much as possible, a discussion of points, which are purely theoretical, or, which appear to be disconnected with questions of utility. But there are connexion^i

XIV INTEODUCrnON.

of the practical with the theoretical, which it is important we should understand, and which should be stated.

Abroad, where the opinions of men, in a great measure, must be formed from oral or written reports, it is necessary that they should be consistent with facts and the conmionly received theories. Consistency of theory with facts, gives a passport to descriptions, especially when they are true to nature.

K a mineral vein is described in language which is equally applicable to a trap djrke, a belief in its value would be withheld, for the former differa essentially from the latter ; or, if the products of a mineral vein are represented as uniform in all its parts, the statement would be disbelieved, for it would be contrary to experience. The circumstances attending the filling of vein fissures differ from those which attend the filling of a fissure, containing only trappean matter.

Every newly explored geological field may furnish new matter, and may also bring to light new facts, some of which may be extraordinary, or which appear so to us, because they are new ; but which in reality do not confiict with the known, when fully investigated. Thus, the fistcts elicited respecting the coalfield of Deep river, present many new fiicts. It had become a prevalent belief, that the workable coal seams belong mostly to the epoch termed the carbordferima ; an epoch already passed when the rocks of Deep river were deposited.

It was also maintained that coal is the product of a peculiar vegetation, which belonged to this period, and ceased to exist with it ; and hence, it was not to be expected that valuable seancis would be found in after periods. This opinion is not sustained by the facts elicited in the Deep river formation.

It appears that though coal is a vegetable product, it is not necessarily the product of a particular kind, and cannot be formed from others ; neither is it necessary that they should grow in the carboniferous epoch ; for the plants which have become coal in the Deep river focks, differ entirely from those of the carboniferous rocks, they form another group ; but yet they perform the same office. There id really no confiict of old with new facts ; the confiict is with the iirrBODTTcmoiit. xv

new tacts and old opinions, or rather, hasty generalization. Geologists erred in limiting nature. They introduced into science a dogma, which she repudiates. Deep river has a coalfield, with all its appurtenances. They are as largely developed as similar ones in the carboniferous epoch. Its iron ores in all their varieties, its bituminous slates and fine days, its plant beds, etc., fully attest, that the epoch is entitled to the appellation, carboniferous.

The statement of the plain facts as to its coal, its qualities, etc, required, in this case, a full elucidation of its geology. No other course would be acceptable to a large class of readers. I have, therefore, not only described, with much minuteness, the beds which succeed each other, but have described and figured the organic remains which are found in them.

There may be details which appear unimportant to another elaas of readers ; but they are requested to tolerate them for the sake of another party, who feel some interest in them, because they are wishing to compare this series or formation with another. These details are designed to advance not only economical or practical geology, but theoretical also.

Among the purely geological questions introduced in this Beport, there is one which relates to the oldest sediments. In North-Carolina, the rocks of this epoch Inmish a greater development of chert and porphyry, than the equivalent series in the Northern States ; and the general result of this peculiarity, is such, as to obscure their relations, or rather to take from them the distinct lithological evidence of the epoch to which they undoubtedly belong. Indeed, to prove that ihej are sediments at all, required a series of observations, before the fact could be established. Accident may frequently disclose facts almost immediately after the question for solution is taken in hand ; but geologists in another instance, may seek for light for years, upon a given question, before they can be satisfied respecting the ground they ought to take. ISie discovery of fossils in Montgomery county, sets the question of the origin of the rocks referred to, at rest ; and this diflooveiy is important geologieally. It carries down the ev-

XVI DTTRODUCnOV.

idenee of life upon tbe globe to a much more digtant epoch, than geologists had been led to believe. Bj this discovery, it appears that life received its introduction upon the globe in the earliest or oldest of the sediments. It is sometimes amnsing to see the claim set np with an obvious feeling of pride, that North-Carolina has the highest peak east of the Bocky mountain range. It will no doubt be amusing to others, should I claim for North-Carolina, the honor of being the birth place of the oldest inhabitants of this globe. The fossils of Montgomery county, to which I refer, and to which I have given the £unily name, Paijootboghib, or old messenger, are quite likely to prove in reality, the oldest representatives of the mysterious principles, life^ the harbinger of that immortal part which connects man with the celestials, and who does not feel that the birth place of Hfe, and the birth place of the projenitor of our race, are interesting spots, and quite as much so, as the highest peak of the Black mountain, about which there is now so much contention by the aspirants for fame.

The repositories of the metals form a most important subject of inquiry in this State. It is here, that I have found unmistakable evidence that gold is one of the oldest metals of tlie globe, and that it is also a sediment ; facts which I believe, are now for the first time, established. Mr. Murchison, one of the most distinguished European geologists, has expressed the opinion, that it is of recent origin, and that it first appeared at the surface, during the ternary epoch. The facts disclosed in North-CaroHna show, that it is first found in the oldest primaries, granites, hornblende, gneiss, mica, and talcose slate. From the debris of these rocks, it is first transferred to the sediments of the Taconic system, where it is associated with fossils. Subsequently it again appears in veins blended with sulphides of copper, iron, and with quartz. It is therefore, a product of the earliest pyrociystalline rocks, and the oldest sediments instead of the newer.

In connection with the subject of mineral veins or repositories of the ores, the question, how they have been filled, I considered worthy of a discussion. It bears directly upon nmoDiXTnoK. xrii

their {Mrmanenee, and although it appears, that there are many phenomena which remain unexplained, still, we assy be assured, that the forces by which tiie process is accomplished, operated within the earth's crust, and that true veiBS were not filled from above. The most indicative of all the phenomena attending them, point to sublimations and to a sonrce of material existing beneath ; but like many phenomena, it would be unwise to construct a theory Which lootks only to a single dass of causes which are concerned in thos process. The source of the metals, is no doubt well determined ; the great reservoir is the interior of the earth. When they are found in beds upon the surface, or bear it in caves and other places of this nature, it may be maintained, that they are derived from broken down rocks and veins.

I have described some of the most important and productive veins, with as much minuteness as the nature of this Report will admit I have, however, passed unnoticed, many localities, where both copper and gold are known to occur; but they are not at present of sufficient importance to require attention, though I am sure many of them are destined to become important, when better plans for working them have been devised, and better roads to market have been opened.

A subject which recjuires a few words of explanation in this place, is the reference of certain rocks to the Taconic system. Of this system, I would not disguise the fiict, that there exist among geologists differences of opinion. Some refer the series to the Silurian system. I doubt very much^ however, whether any geologist would be willing, after an eizamination of this series in Virginia and North-Oarolina, to refer them to the latter, especially, as they are devdoped east of the Blue ridge ; and I believe, Uiat in these States, they will be unanimous in their opinions, that the Silurian doea not exist in territories designated. But, there seems to be a disposition on the part of some, to regard the Silurian as extending to the base of the sediments. They would aiv hitrarily assign all the lower deposits to this system ; but this eoune is certainly m unwise, as- it is unsdentifie. If natore xvui nrrBODUGTiON.

has made a distinct boundary between the lower Silurian and the Taconic systems, it sbonld be recognized.

At the present time, however, certain distingoished geologists are satisfied that the name Silurian does not coyer all the older sediments, but they place the older series in the Cambrean system of Prof. Sedgewick. The adoption of the latter course, evidently indicates progress : it is an admission of a great fact, that we have both sediments and fossils below the Silurian ; yet, the Cambrian system, as maintained by its author, reaUy contains a part of what American geologists regard as lower Silurian. It has this fault, it contains too much. This fact I pointed out many years ago. A medium course might be pursued. The lower Silurian as developed in this country, might be regarded as a distinct system, and called Cambrian* The lines of demarkation are strongly defined. We have an upper horizon between the Lorrain shales and sandstones and the Shawangunk grits of New York, or the Medina sandstone; Below, the series or system is distinctly defined by the base of the Potsdam sandstone, or when this is absent, by the Calciferous sandstone, which rests unconformably upon the Taconic series, when the latter are present.

The rocks .below the foregoing, consist of slates, Umestoneu and conglomerates, none of which, at first, were supposed to be fossiliferous. Now, this view is known to be erroneous, but all the fossils yet discovered, differ specifically from those of the upper and lower Silurian series. The distinction between the Taconic system and Silurian, is much more strongly marked than it is between the Silurian and Devonian. There can be but little doubt respecting the propriety of making this separation I have proposed. It is but the carrying out of those principles which have been acted upon by Smith, Maclure, 'de Orbiny, Sedwick and Murchison. If these distinguished geologists have been wrong, respecting the principles which should govern their views of the characteristics of a system, it is time to abandon them. If on the contrary, their views are based on principles which commend

UTTBODUCTtON. XIX

themselves to onr understandings, let them be followed. These are four leading facts, which go &r towards establishing the Taconic system. 8fuperp(mi/ion of the SU/wricm^ tmcon/ormabUUyj specific differences in the crgamc remains^ and a want of correUation of the members of one system with the other. Such being the fact with respect to the series in New York and Massachusetts, and such too, being in the main, the fact in North-Carolina, it is proper to apply the same namu to them by which they are known or designated in the former States.

It is, however, time to drop the consideration of a subject, which cannot directly benefit the majority of the readers of this Beport We may profitably turn to the consideration of Kome of the results which must necessarily follow from tlie progress aheady made in the development of the resources of the State, and also to those which are likely to follow : First, there is a source of 'wealth which must flow directly from local discoveries ; Second, there are indirect sources of wealth in the addition of dwellings and the increase of. inhabitants, which, of course, increase the amount of taxable property. The agricultural interest cannot fail oi being prosperous, when manufacturing villages spring up, or when a mine is profitably worked ; they create a home market for the surrounding country. But North-Carolina contains those materials which elsewhere, are of sufficient importance, to build up large towns and large markets ; I refer to her coal and iron, and when we take into the account, the fact, that both are of a superior quality, and inexhaustible in quantity, it is evident they must become a source of direct revenue and wealth, both to individuals and to the State ; to the latter especially, through the increase of taxable property. So also, in proportion to the development, the North will become indebted to North-Carolina, because the North is her market, and hence the balance of trade will be in her favor, and Northern exchange will cease to command a premium at hej hands. Such are some of the legitimate and certain results of development of the hitherto hidden resources. I cannot trace them out through all the ramifications.

Suffice it to say, it is felt im the rise and the value of taxable proparty ; in the growth of manufacturing towns, the impulse which will be given everywhere to agriculture, the improveqient of roads, the construction of railways, by whieh .the avenues to market will be laid open, and inqparting^ thereby an efficient ali»iulns to enterprise throughout the Stale.

REPOBT ov

NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

PRELiMINARY REMARKS.

Thkbb are three physical conditions of a country whicdi promote the accmnnlation of wealth: 1. The existence of the raw materials out of which the mechanical instruments in civilized life are made ; 2. The existence of the poweil9 which are necessary to aid the mechanic in their constmction, and 3. Cheap and certain means to convey the manufactured ar^ tides and natural products to a market

If the foregoing statements are true, then, in conducting a freological survey of a country, the first enquiries should be« What materials exist within its bounds which may be eonverted into useful instruments in civilized life? Do these materials exist in sufficient abundance to make it an object to explore them ? And are there wateivpowers which may be employed in their manufacture? and, lastly, can those products, either natural or artificial, be taken profitably to a market?