Canada - The Collection

At this famous Canadian site, siderite typically forms as small, brown to tan crystals, often rhombohedral in shape, growing over or alongside white to gray albite. Scattered among them, tiny, sharp zircon crystals can appear — often reddish-brown, yellow, or even colorless depending on the exact specimen.

Mont Saint-Hilaire is renowned for producing rare and unusual mineral combinations, and specimens like this highlight the diversity and richness of the location. While each mineral is interesting on its own, having siderite, albite, and zircon together in one piece makes it a well-balanced and attractive collector’s specimen, especially for those who appreciate the geology of the region

This is a very typical specimen of MSH and is in very good condition. Would be a beautiful addition to any new or existing collection.

Name: Siderite in Albite with Zircon
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  37x36x24 mm / 1.5x1.5x0.9 inches
Weight: 32 Grams / 1.0 Ounces 
Origin: Mined in Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Astrophyllite is a striking and rare mineral known for its bronze to golden-bladed crystals that radiate like starbursts, often embedded in a dark matrix of other minerals. The name comes from Greek, meaning “star leaf,” referring to its star-like crystal formations. It  is found in locations such as Russia, Norway, Greenland, and Canada.  This specimen of Astrophyllite crystals originates from the world famous site of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. 

Astrophyllite is often seen as a stone of inner illumination and self-discovery. Some believe it helps reveal hidden potential and encourages personal truth, making it a supportive companion during times of change or reflection. It’s sometimes associated with letting go of the past and embracing a more authentic path forward.

This specimen is in very good condition and displays very well.  Make this a special specimen in your collection. 

Name: Astrophyllite cluster
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized  
Dimensions:   Specimen 38x29 mm / 1.5x1.1 inches  
                        Specimen Box 54x54 mm / 2.1x2.1 inches  
Weight:  36.6 Grams / 1.3 Ounces   
Origin: Mined in Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Howlite was discovered near Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1868 and named after Henry How, a Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist.  It often forms in nodules which resemble cauliflower heads. The nodules are opaque, white with gray or black veins, often showing web-like pattern. 

Howlite is said to be an extremely calming stone, it can be an excellent antidote to insomnia.  It is also said that Howlite teaches patience and helps to eliminate anger and strengthens positive character traits.  

Name:  Howlite on Matrix
Specimen Size:  Thumbnail-Sized  
Dimensions:   Specimen 30x26 mm / 1.2x1.0 inches
                        Specimen Box 33x33 mm / 1.3x1.3 inches  
Weight:  17.5 Grams / 0.6 Ounces (including box)  
Origin: Mined in Fishells Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Faden quartz is a unique variety of quartz characterized by a distinct, thread-like white line running through the crystal. The term "Faden" comes from the German word for "thread," referring to this internal fiber-like formation.  Faden quartz forms in fracture zones within metamorphic rocks, where tectonic forces cause repeated cracking and healing of the quartz. As the crystal regrows, liquid or gas inclusions get trapped along the break line, creating the characteristic white “thread” or fiber-like structure.

Many believe faden quartz symbolizes healing, connection, and resilience due to its unique formation process. It is sometimes used for energetic healing, strengthening relationships, and enhancing spiritual growth. The "thread" within the crystal is thought to represent a link between different aspects of life, making it popular among those seeking inner balance and alignment.

Name: Faden Quartz
Specimen Size:  Cabinet-Sized
Dimensions: 66x53x22 mm / 2.6x2.1x0.9 inches
Weight: 75.82 Grams / 2.7 Ounces
Origin: Mined in Canton de Melbourne, Le Val-Saint-François RCM, Estrie, Québec, Canada

Sodalite is usually found in the massive form, rather than crystals. Its name is derived from its sodium content. This stone is frequently found with lapis lazuli, but contains little or no golden pyrite specks in it as lapis does. It may, however, contain patches or streaks of white calcite.

Although some people think that sodalite resembles lapis in some ways, it is entirely different in chemical composition and has more of a navy blue coloring.  Would be a beautiful addition to any new or existing collection.

Name:  Sodalite
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized  
Dimensions: 43x33x26 mm / 1.7x1.3x1.0 inches  
Weight:  41.69 Grams / 1.5 Ounces  
Origin:  Mined in Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

This is a lustrous diopside crystal with many emerald-green chrome-bearing grossular crystals.  It was found in Orford Nickel mine, St-Denis-de-Brompton, Le Val-Saint-François RCM, Estrie, Québec, Canada, which is famous for excellent specimens of diopside, green grossular (chrome-bearing), orange grossular and millerite.

This is a very showy specimen that will display very well within your collection.

Name: Diopside with Grossular Crystal Cluster
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions: 38x24x13 mm / 1.5x0.9x0.5 inches
Weight:   13.66 grams / 0.5 Ounces
Origin: Mined at Orford Nickel mine, St-Denis-de-Brompton, Le Val-Saint-François RCM, Estrie, Québec, Canada

This is a beautiful piece of eudialyte from world famous Mont St-Hilaire, Québec. Eudialyte is widespread at Mont Saint-Hilaire and can be found as excellent crystals with vibrant color.  It features raspberry red eudialyte with black and white crystals.  Would be a great addition to any collection.

Name: Eudialyte
Specimen Size:  Cabinet-Sized
Dimensions:  77x58x44 mm / 3.0x2.3x1.7 inches
Weight: 170 grams / 6 oz
Origin: Mont St-Hilaire, Québec, Canada

This is a lovely pink Stilbite specimen from Parsboro, Cape d'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was collected in 2002 and is a miniature size group of well terminated crystals with nice sharp edges. 

Stilbite is a zeolite mineral appreciated for its delicate crystal formations and pastel hues, ranging from colorless to white, yellow, pink, and peach.  It forms distinctive tabular crystals with a bowtie or butterfly shape and exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster. Commonly found in cavities in volcanic rocks, stilbite is often associated with other zeolite minerals. 

Stilbite is believed to have soothing and spiritually uplifting qualities, often associated with promoting emotional healing, inner peace, and mental clarity. Many consider it helpful for enhancing spiritual connection, deepening meditation, and supporting dream recall or lucid dreaming. Often linked to the heart chakra, it is thought to encourage love, compassion, and the release of emotional wounds. Stilbite may assist in navigating transitions, amplifying the energy of other crystals, and fostering a calming environment by shifting negative energy into positive vibrations.

Name: Stilbite Crystals
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  47x36x19 mm / 1.8x1.4x0.7 inches
Weight:  21.5 gr / 0.7 oz
Details: Mined in Cape D'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada

These are Molybdenite crystals in host from Moly Hill, Québec, Canada. The largest of the crystals is 12x10 mm (0.5x0.4 inches).  Molybdenite is commonly found as foliated masses meaning the mineral forms folia or layers, like the mineral mica. It is metallic gray, has a greasy feel, and is very soft at only 1 on Mohs' hardness scale. Its softness, metallic luster and gray color led scientists to mistakenly believe it was a lead mineral. 

Some believe molybdenite is linked to intuition, transformation, and problem-solving, helping with mental clarity and adaptability. It is sometimes associated with the third eye chakra, thought to enhance insight and creative thinking.

Name: Molybdenite Crystals
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions: 41x32x17 mm / 1.6x1.3x0.7 inches
Weight: 21.4 Grams / 0.7 ounces
Origin: Mined in Moly Hill, Québec, Canada

This is a fine Zeolite specimen from the ZEC near Maniwaki, Québec, Canada. You can see a small group of well terminated crystals with nice sharp edges.

Stilbite, Heulandite, and Chabazite are beautiful zeolite minerals found in the basalt and sedimentary rock formations near Maniwaki, Quebec. These crystals often form in delicate, radiating clusters or blocky, tabular structures, showcasing a range of colors from soft pinks and oranges to translucent whites.

Stilbite is known for its pearly luster and graceful fan-like formations, while Heulandite displays intricate, layered crystal habits. Chabazite, with its distinctive rhombohedral shape, adds variety to the mineral assemblage. Collectors and geologists appreciate these minerals not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their fascinating crystal chemistry and association with the region’s volcanic history.

Name: Stilbite Heulandite and Chabazite Crystals 
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  44x27x24 mm / 1.7x1.1x0.9 inches
Weight: 24 gr / 0.8 oz 
Details: Mined in Zec Bras-Coupé-Désert, Lac-Pythonga, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM, Outaouais, Québec, Canada

This mineral combination is from a classic locality, the Newfoundland Zinc Mine, which has been closed for many years. This mine was a high grade zinc mine with very little  contaminants in the ore which made it easier to mill and produced good concentrate.  This site is known for beautiful mineral specimens, particularly sphalerite crystals often associated dolomite.

The sphalerite from this region typically appears as dark brown to black, resinous crystals, sometimes with red or orange undertones due to iron content. These crystals often serve as a striking backdrop for the light-colored dolomite, which forms as rhombohedral or curved aggregates on top. The contrasting colors and textures make specimens from Daniel’s Harbor highly collectible.

Very nice showy material in excellent condition and a collectors dream specimen. 

Name: Dolomite on Sphalerite Crystals  
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized  
Dimensions: 41x27x19 mm / 1.6x1.1x0.7 inches  
Weight: 25 Grams / 0.8 Ounces  
Origin: Newfoundland Zinc Mine, Daniel's Harbor, NL, Canada

This is a beautiful black Biotite crystal book from the Calcite Vein-Dikes of the Grenville Geological Province Ontario, Canada. This specimen is a great example of both the classic crystal shape and attractive dark coloration. 

Biotite is rarely considered a valuable mineral specimen, but it can accompany other minerals and compliment them. In Bancroft, Ontario, Biotite forms large crystals with green apatite and hornblende. Single large plates or "books" of biotite can grow to considerable size and can make impressive mineral specimens. 

Stand not included.

Name:  Biotite Mica  
Specimen Size:  Large Cabinet-Sized  
Dimensions:  125x71x3 mm / 4.9x2.8x0.1 inches  
Weight:  39 Grams / 1.4 Ounces  
Origin:  Ontario, Canada