The basin of Slatechuck Creek is the only source in the world of a rare black form of argillite, formerly commonly known as "black slate". It plays an important role as a carving substance in Haida art and only Haida are permitted to quarry for it. "Slatechuck" is a local Chinook Jargon usage combining "slate" with "chuck", a word for water, river, lake.
Anthracite coal and other minerals have been observed in the local geology.