Zircon - Ross Mine, Forester's Falls, Ontario, Canada

Zr(SiO₄)

The Ross Mine, located near Forester's Falls, Ontario, Canada, is a notable locality for well-formed crystals of zircon, a zirconium silicate mineral. Zircon from the Ross Mine is typically found as brown to reddish-brown, tetragonal crystals embedded in the granitic pegmatites that characterize the region. These crystals are often prismatic or dipyramidal in shape and can exhibit a glassy to resinous luster. The Ross Mine zircons are valued for their size, clarity, and well-defined crystal morphology, making them highly sought after by collectors and mineral enthusiasts.

Geologically, zircon from the Ross Mine provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of pegmatitic systems, as it is often associated with other rare minerals and accessory phases within the pegmatites. Zircon’s chemical stability and ability to incorporate trace amounts of uranium and thorium make it an important mineral for geochronology studies, offering a record of the geological history of the area. The Ross Mine’s zircons are not only aesthetically striking but also scientifically significant, underscoring the importance of this locality in both mineral collecting and geological research.

Approx. specimen size: 45mm x 40mm x 10mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 221 cpm