Gibsons Road Occurrence (Titanite Hill) EarthCache
Hidden : 10/1/2016
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


This Earthcache will take you to the Gibsons Road Mineral Occurrence in Tory Hill, also known locally as "Titanite Hill". There is parking available on Gibsons Road (see additional waypoint for closest parking; you can also park further east of the site and walk in if the road is too rough). No permit is required to visit this site. A permit is required for other mineral sites in the area, which can be obtained at the Highlands East municipal office or at the information centre in Wilberforce.

This location, as well as others around the Bancroft area, are well known for their rich geology and excellent mineral specimens. At this occurrence, a series veins contain large crystals of gem green apatite, buff coloured feldspar, lustrous brown titanite, and black fluororichterite. Numerous similar occurrences in this area have been mined for apatite and other minerals.

Minerals that can be found at this site include:

Calcite - CaCO3

Mohs hardness: 3
- Pink to white in colour - Occurs here as massive calcite (not crystals)
- Fills veins and often contains other mineral crystals

Hornblende - (Ca,Na)2–3(Mg,Fe,Al)5(Al,Si)8O22(OH,F)2

Mohs hardness: 5-6
- Black/dark green in colour
- Hexagonal/granular crystals

Apatite (as fluorapatite) - Ca5(PO4)3(F)

Mohs hardness: 5
- Bright green, hexagonal crystals
- Shiny, transparent, usually highly fractured
- Apatite was mined in this area for its phosphate content, for use in fertilizer

Fluororichterite - Na(NaCa)Mg5Si8O22F2

Mohs hardness: 5-6
- Dark green to black, diamond-shaped crystals
- Rare, occurs only in a few locations in the world, including this area
- A large deposit can also be seen along Essonville Road in Wilberforce

Titanite - CaTiSiO5

Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
- Dark brown, very shiny, wedge-shaped crystals

Microcline - KAlSi3O8

Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
- Buff coloured, blocky crystals
- Member of the feldspar group
- Used in ceramics and as a mild abrasive

Biotite Mica - KFe3,Mg3(AlSi3O10)(OH,F)2

Mohs hardness: 2-3
- Dark brown to black, hexagonal crystals
- Very shiny, crystals separate easily into thin sheets


To log this earthcache, please email us the answers to the following questions:


1) What mineral at this site typically contains crystals of other minerals? Describe the colour of this widespread mineral at this site.
2) Measure the size of the biggest specimen of Hornblende that you can find. Describe the shape and colour of the crystal you found.
3) Measure the size of the biggest and smallest specimens of Apatite that you can find. Describe the shape and colour of the crystals you found.
4) Name at least 3 other minerals that are not listed above, but occur in the Bancroft area.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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