Quartz with Hematite

specimen number:
2062189

location:
Hogarth Pit, Steeprock Mine, Atikokan, Ontario, Canada

description:
Bright lustrous prismatic red crystals of quartz to 6.5 cm in length on matrix. The red color due to the presence of hematite. This is in good condition. Quite choice for the species and locality.

The Hogarth Pit, located near Atikokan, Ontario, was a primary extraction site within the massive Steep Rock Iron Mine complex. Geologically, the deposit was a marvel of the Canadian Shield, consisting of high-grade goethite and hematite ore hosted within the Steep Rock Group, which sits unconformably upon an ancient Mesoarchean carbonate platform. The ore body was situated directly beneath the waters of Steep Rock Lake, necessitating one of the most ambitious engineering projects in mining history: the total diversion of the Seine River and the pumping of billions of gallons of water and silt to expose the lake bed. Historically, the Hogarth Pit began production in 1953, following the earlier success of the Errington Pit, and was operated by Steep Rock Iron Mines Limited. The pit remained a prolific source of iron ore for the North American steel industry throughout the mid-20th century, with major operations continuing until 1979 when the mine finally closed due to changing economic conditions and the depletion of easily accessible ore.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.