The Quadville Beryl Pit

Looking for Gem Quality Aquamarine in Ontario

02, originally uploaded by Mic2006.

As Maggie explained to a fellow rockhound – this is our “puppy-o-potomus”. In truth, it is Shaka, our once much loved golden retriever who died of cancer some time ago. We now have Chester and he is very bad!

On a happier note, Maggie is using the rockhound hammer in a very un-rockhound like way to sift through debris at the Quadeville Beryl Pit for specimens and if I recall correctly she found some kind of feldspar; a labradorite-like material with an incredible blue irradescence. She had better success than me.

In speaking with Chris Fouts, a well known local geologist, (in fact the local authority you might say), he suggested that the pegmatite seam over which the pit had been excavated is thought to have veered away from the excavation. In short there is suspicion that blasting off to one side or the other might reveal some more specimens like “old times”.

What are specimens like “old times” – logs of non-gem quality beryl crystals “stacked up like “cordwood”. Also gem quality aquamarine and tons of high quality feldspars and other obscure minerals. A gem is rare and the aquamarine is hard to find but there have been some remarkable finds. If you are looking for gems in Ontario this is certainly a good place to start. I have also had a theory about panning for sapphire in a couple of areas but I dont want to reveal exactly where until I assess the validity of my theory and then – of course once confirmed I will probably get even more cagey – or less depending on the quality of the stone.

One other important point about gems in Ontario, the Bancroft Gemboree is coming up soon. Thats a “dont miss this event”. I will be there for sure – August 2nd to 4th or 5th I think.