Brazil Lake occurrence
Foster Township, Unorganized North Sudbury District, Sudbury District, Ontario, Canada
Key Information
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Brazil Lake occurrence is in Foster Township, Unorganized North Sudbury District, Ontario, Canada, near Espanola, 7.8 km away.
It is known for cobaltite crystals up to 3 cm, with other minerals like pyrrhotite and erythrite.
The site features a quartz-carbonate vein at the contact of gabbro and siltstones, formed by contact metamorphism.
Mining history includes stripping, trenching, and an adit, historically called Elizabeth Lake Mine.
The area has a rich mining culture, with ongoing environmental restoration efforts.
Climate is humid continental, with cold winters and warm summers, impacting local ecology.
Geographic Location
The Brazil Lake occurrence is located in Foster Township, part of the Unorganized North Sudbury District in Ontario, Canada. It lies approximately 7.8 km from Espanola, a small town in the region, and is part of the broader Sudbury District, famous for its mining history. Nearby, other notable mineral sites include those within the Sudbury Basin, a globally recognized geological feature for nickel and copper deposits.
Minerals Produced
This locality is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, particularly known for its cobaltite, with crystals reaching up to 3 cm in size, rivaling those from Swedish localities like Håkansboda. Other minerals include pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, actinolite, calcite, dolomite, and vibrant secondary minerals like pink erythrite and scorodite, which can form as pseudomorphs after cobaltite.
Geological Structure
The site is geologically fascinating, situated at the contact between a Nipissing-type gabbro body and hornfelsed calcareous siltstones of the Espanola Formation. It features an east-west-trending quartz-carbonate vein, up to 12 meters wide, traced for several hundred feet, where cobaltite is found along the walls and pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite within the vein, showcasing contact metamorphism.
Mining History
Historically known as the Elizabeth Lake Mine or Espanola, Brazil Lake has seen mining activities including stripping, trenching, diamond drilling, and an adit about 30 meters long. While not as extensively mined as larger Sudbury operations, it has provided high-quality specimens, notably cobaltite discovered in the 1980s, enhancing its appeal to collectors.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The Sudbury District, including Foster Township, is steeped in mining culture, with roots tracing back to 1883 when nickel and copper were discovered. This history has attracted a diverse population, shaping a community known for its mining heritage. Today, the area is also noted for environmental innovation, with efforts to rehabilitate lands affected by mining, reflecting a balance between industry and sustainability.
Climate and Ecology
Sudbury has a humid continental climate, with cold winters averaging -18°C in January and warm summers reaching 25°C in July. Annual precipitation is around 909 mm, with significant snowfall in winter. The ecology, part of the Canadian Shield, has been impacted by mining, but ongoing reforestation and soil remediation projects are restoring the landscape, highlighting nature’s resilience.