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Craigmont Corundum Mine Field Trip
July 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
In the late 1800s, corundum was discovered near Combermere and soon after the Craigmont Corundum Mine was established. It was a large enterprise employing over 400 men in 1906.
Join our “expedition” and a leading expert for a unique collecting experience and discover the 2nd hardest mineral next to diamonds. Corundum is 9 on the Mohs scale. Ruby and sapphire are actually corundum.
The main mineral being sought at Craigmont is corundum but the following may also be discovered: biotite, magnetite, mica, molybdenite, pyrite, smoky quartz and scapolite and others.
Craigmont involves walking up a trail that is not too long. Where we are collecting will be somewhat open so bugs won’t be too bad. It is a huge property – basically, a whole mountain where there are mine dumps; however, past the collecting area, there are large boulders and potential for falls – so be careful.
See our Blog Article for tools and what to bring: Gearing Up: Must-Have Tools for the Aspiring Rockhound. Because you may want to break open rocks, a short-handled sledge hammer would be advantageous.
BONUS: the OVMC has asked Chris Fouts to be our guide, Chris is a well-known Bancroft geologist and is extremely knowledgeable with the area. He has been to the Craigmont Mine already this year so can help all members find good specimens.
We will meet up with Chris at the Country Store in McArthur Mills on Highway 28 at 10:00 am and follow him to the mineral collecting area (about 20 minutes away) – maps will be provided. It is a little less than 2 hours from Ottawa.
Price: $15 per adult member. Kids are free.