Crosscut Creek
Kulan Camp (Area A; Area 1), Rapid Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Crosscut Creek, Kulan Camp, is in the Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada, near Dawson City, famous for the Klondike Gold Rush.
It is known for rare phosphate minerals like augelite and lazulite, with rapidcreekite named after the area.
The geology features Late Cretaceous shales and sideritic ironstones with phosphate mineralization in fractures.
Mineral collecting began in the 1970s, primarily by enthusiasts, not large-scale mining.
The area has a subarctic climate with boreal forest ecology, part of Tr’ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation territory.
Geographic Location
Crosscut Creek, part of Kulan Camp in the Rapid Creek area, lies in the Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada. This district is near Dawson City, a historic town linked to the Klondike Gold Rush, located at approximately 64° North latitude and -139° West longitude, close to the Alaska border. The locality is in a remote, northern region, known for its rugged terrain and rich mining history.
Minerals and Geology
The area is renowned for its phosphate minerals, including augelite, lazulite, and rapidcreekite, the latter named after Rapid Creek, highlighting its uniqueness. The geological structure consists of Late Cretaceous shales and sideritic ironstones, with significant folding and faulting. Phosphate mineralization occurs in fractures, formed through sedimentary processes and secondary mineralization, making it a treasure trove for collectors.
Mining History and Culture
Mineral collecting at Crosscut Creek started in the 1970s, driven by enthusiasts like Al Kulan and Gunar Penikis, rather than large-scale mining operations. It’s more a site for scientific study and collecting than commercial extraction. Culturally, it’s part of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation territory, with nearby Dawson City reflecting Klondike Gold Rush history, blending First Nations heritage with mining and tourism.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is subarctic, featuring long, cold winters and short, cool summers, with average temperatures ranging from -26°C in January to 15.7°C in July. The ecology is boreal forest, with coniferous trees like spruce and pine, and wildlife including moose and bears, typical of Yukon’s northern landscape.