Flamboro Quarry

West Flamborough Township, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Key Information

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Flamboro Quarry is in West Flamborough Township, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, near Dundas, known for its mineral diversity.
It produces minerals like fluorite, sphalerite, calcite, and celestine, with fluorite and sphalerite being particularly notable for collectors.
The quarry is in Silurian dolostone, formed by hydrothermal fluids, and is still active, producing dolomite for building stone.
The area has a rich history with early settlements and milling, and the quarry is popular among mineral enthusiasts.
Hamilton’s climate is humid-continental, with warm summers and cold winters, potentially affecting mineral preservation.

Geographic Location

Flamboro Quarry is nestled in West Flamborough Township, part of the city of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, located on the west side of Brock Road near Dundas. This region, at the western end of Lake Ontario, is known for its scenic beauty, with nearby Spencer Creek and its waterfalls adding to the charm. For mineral enthusiasts, nearby localities like the Ofield Road Quarry and Dundas Quarry offer additional exploration opportunities.

Minerals Produced

The quarry is a treasure trove for collectors, yielding a variety of minerals including:

Calcite (CaCO3)
Celestine (SrSO4)
Fluorite (CaF2), known for its pale brown, highly fluorescent crystals
Galena (PbS)
Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O)
Marcasite (FeS2)
Bitumen (a variety of Petroleum)
Pyrite (FeS2)
Sphalerite (ZnS), often found in honey yellow to orange, gemmy, twinned aggregates

Fluorite and sphalerite stand out, with fluorite’s fluorescence under UV light and sphalerite’s vibrant colors making them particularly sought after.

Geological Structure

Situated in the Middle Silurian Lockport Formation, the quarry consists of dolostone, a sedimentary rock. The minerals likely formed from hydrothermal fluids depositing in the rock’s cavities, creating vugs that house these specimens.

Mining History

Flamboro Quarry, operated by Dufferin Aggregates (a division of CRH Canada Inc.), is still active, primarily producing dolomite for building stone. Its long history and ongoing operations make it a significant site for both industrial and collector interests.

Local Culture and Characteristics

West Flamborough Township, with its early settlement history and milling industries, adds cultural depth to the area. The quarry itself is a hub for mineral enthusiasts, likely fostering a community of collectors who share knowledge and specimens, enhancing its cultural significance.

Climate and Ecology

Hamilton’s humid-continental climate features warm summers and cold, snowy winters, with temperatures ranging from 18°F to 79°F. While specific ecological details for the quarry are limited, the surrounding area includes forests and wetlands, potentially influencing mineral preservation and offering a rich backdrop for exploration.