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Post by Rockindad on Apr 25, 2019 17:53:06 GMT -5
Was wondering if anyone here has visited the Princess Sodalite Mine in Bancroft, Ontario and looking for any opinions and/or suggestions they may have. We are thinking about taking an overnight trip (it is a 4 1/2 hour drive each way) getting there early and maybe exploring more of the area after that. Would spend the night so we don't have to rush back or in case there is something to check out the second day.
Due to my affinity for Sodalite the place is already intriguing, but not enough to spend 9 hours driving just to check out a gift shop. From their website:
What is the Rock Farm?
This is an area, on the property, where we constantly plant tailings from the Princess Sodalite Mine along with truck loads of materials from local mines, quarries, collectors and world wide localities. There are almost 100 different varieties to choose from. We supply collecting pails only, you are welcome to bring your own rock picks, crack hammers and chisels. The most important
requirement is footwear. COMPLETELY ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR IS REQUIRED. No sandals, flip-flops, crocks or any footwear that is not completely enclosed will be allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS. The Rock Farm is open daily from 10.00am till 4.30pm, 30 minutes before the rock shop closes. What is the cost? There is no entry fee, the cost to take home your treasures is $1.50 per pound plus HST, whatever the variety or size of the material.
Sounds like this could be interesting, but would feel better hearing from someone who might have been through here.
Thanks, Al
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Post by Toad on Apr 26, 2019 5:05:07 GMT -5
Does sound interesting. Will look forward to replies...
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Post by Rockindad on May 6, 2019 8:24:07 GMT -5
Just one little bump in the hopes some new eyes see this.
Al
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Post by greig on May 6, 2019 11:29:25 GMT -5
I live in Ontario and rockhound often around Bancroft. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much about the Princess Sodalite or the Rock Farm. I avoid pay-to-play places that charge by the pound. I know one fellow who works at the Princess. He is one of the most knowledgeable rockhounds that I have crossed paths. If you go, pick Alf's brain about the area and collecting. My understanding about the Rock Farm is originally they moved the blasted material from a local road cut because of the minerals. They have built a business around people taking it away in small buckets. If you want to have some cheap fun in the area: making your own holes and finding your own rocks, I would suggest the Lost/Smart Mine (Millar Property) which has a variety of minerals and costs $10/person donation to charity (there is a mailbox on the property to drop in your $). Lots of big apatite, muscovite, amazonite, zircon, titanite, etc. The next best place (in my opinion) is Gibson Road (aka titanite hill). It is free. Lots of apatite but you have to dig deep for good quality pieces and clusters. Of course, in the right hole will also be nice titanite as the name suggests. Nearby is the town of Wilberforce who have a few mines that are fun to visit. You sign-in to get permission and they give you maps. It is all free. For that, you go into the curling rink if open or the general store if the rink is closed. Small town, so easy to find these places. Oh, I almost forgot the Silver Crater mine. Costs $2/person. Pretty good spot for collecting, but there is a bit of a hike on an ATV trail to get in. One of the better locations for radioactives, but you can also find quite a few other crystals. Watch your speed on the roads as there are lots of radar traps. Greig.
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Post by Toad on May 6, 2019 11:34:37 GMT -5
Thanks Greig!
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Post by Rockindad on May 6, 2019 17:13:14 GMT -5
I live in Ontario and rockhound often around Bancroft. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much about the Princess Sodalite or the Rock Farm. I avoid pay-to-play places that charge by the pound. I know one fellow who works at the Princess. He is one of the most knowledgeable rockhounds that I have crossed paths. If you go, pick Alf's brain about the area and collecting. My understanding about the Rock Farm is originally they moved the blasted material from a local road cut because of the minerals. They have built a business around people taking it away in small buckets. If you want to have some cheap fun in the area: making your own holes and finding your own rocks, I would suggest the Lost/Smart Mine (Millar Property) which has a variety of minerals and costs $10/person donation to charity (there is a mailbox on the property to drop in your $). Lots of big apatite, muscovite, amazonite, zircon, titanite, etc. The next best place (in my opinion) is Gibson Road (aka titanite hill). It is free. Lots of apatite but you have to dig deep for good quality pieces and clusters. Of course, in the right hole will also be nice titanite as the name suggests. Nearby is the town of Wilberforce who have a few mines that are fun to visit. You sign-in to get permission and they give you maps. It is all free. For that, you go into the curling rink if open or the general store if the rink is closed. Small town, so easy to find these places. Oh, I almost forgot the Silver Crater mine. Costs $2/person. Pretty good spot for collecting, but there is a bit of a hike on an ATV trail to get in. One of the better locations for radioactives, but you can also find quite a few other crystals. Watch your speed on the roads as there are lots of radar traps. Greig. Awesome info greig thanks a lot. Was very unsure of the "Farm" but with other places to hit in the area I think we'll definitely plan on going at least for the Sodalite and then check out some of your suggestions. Much appreciated meminer! Al
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Post by greig on May 7, 2019 10:40:02 GMT -5
Good luck with your adventure. Another suggestion is keep an eye on the Bancroft Chamber of Commerce website. They usually have field trips in the summer to various mineral collecting locations. I did it once and had a good time. There was a student geologist along who knew the sites. It really helps to be with a small group to see where and what to collect. The website is blank on trips right now, but I suspect it will be populated later this month. www.bancroftdistrict.com/bancroft-nature-discovery-tours/
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Post by Rockindad on May 7, 2019 10:44:50 GMT -5
Good luck with your adventure. Another suggestion is keep an eye on the Bancroft Chamber of Commerce website. They usually have field trips in the summer to various mineral collecting locations. I did it once and had a good time. There was a student geologist along who knew the sites. It really helps to be with a small group to see where and what to collect. The website is blank on trips right now, but I suspect it will be populated later this month. www.bancroftdistrict.com/bancroft-nature-discovery-tours/Excellent, looks like it might turn into more than an overnight adventure and that is perfectly fine! Thanks, Al
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Post by greig on May 7, 2019 16:09:03 GMT -5
Al. Some of the sites are close enough that you could visit a couple in a day. The ones by Wilberforce and Tory Hill are like that. Eganville (Smart Mine) is a bit of a drive from Bancroft and you would want to spend all day there. Good luck on your adventure. I am sure you will enjoy it. Heck, we might even cross paths. One more thing - take bug spray anytime after mid-May. ;-)
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Post by Rockindad on May 7, 2019 17:01:01 GMT -5
Al. Some of the sites are close enough that you could visit a couple in a day. The ones by Wilberforce and Tory Hill are like that. Eganville (Smart Mine) is a bit of a drive from Bancroft and you would want to spend all day there. Good luck on your adventure. I am sure you will enjoy it. Heck, we might even cross paths. One more thing - take bug spray anytime after mid-May. ;-) Hate using it but have to as I just seem to be a bug magnet.Al
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