Stoneman Camp
Rapid Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada
Key Information
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Stoneman Camp, in Rapid Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada, is a renowned site for rare phosphate minerals, attracting mineral crystal enthusiasts.
It is located in the Richardson Mountains, near the Arctic Circle, with coordinates at 68° 30' 23'' North, 136° 57' 13'' West.
The area features minerals like apatite, lazulite (Yukon’s official gemstone), and kulanite, many first discovered here.
Geologically, it consists of Late Cretaceous shales and ironstones, ideal for phosphate formation.
Mining history began in the 1960s, focusing on mineral specimens, not gold, with significant documentation in the 1970s and 1980s.
The subarctic climate has long, cold winters and short summers, with an average January temperature of -26.0°C and July at 15.7°C.
Local culture ties to Yukon’s adventurous mining heritage, with the area part of the boreal forest ecosystem, supporting fish like salmon.
Geographic Location
Stoneman Camp is nestled in the remote wilderness of Yukon, Canada, near the Arctic Circle, within the Richardson Mountains. Its exact location is at 68° 30' 23'' North, 136° 57' 13'' West, making it part of the Dawson mining district. This area is known for its vast, untouched landscapes, and nearby localities like Kulan Camp and Mount Seafoam also offer rich mineral finds, forming a hub for phosphate mineralogy in the region.
Minerals Produced
This locality is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, particularly for its rare phosphate minerals. Notable finds include apatite, augelite, brazilianite, eosphorite, gorceixite, kulanite, and lazulite, which is Yukon’s official gemstone, known for its striking blue hues. Other minerals like messelite, wardite, and the whiteite subgroup are also present, often displaying vibrant colors and intricate crystal structures, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Geological Structure and Mining History
Geologically, Stoneman Camp features Late Cretaceous shales and sideritic ironstones, with significant folding and faulting creating ideal conditions for phosphate minerals, found in veins and breccia fillings. Mining history here focuses on mineral specimens, starting with phosphate discoveries in the 1960s, with systematic exploration and documentation in the 1970s and 1980s, notably documented in a 1992 study, distinguishing it from the district’s gold mining fame.
Local Culture and Climate
The area reflects Yukon’s adventurous mining heritage, tied to the Klondike Gold Rush, though Stoneman Camp is more about mineral collecting. Its subarctic climate features long, cold winters with an average January temperature of -26.0°C (-14.8°F) and short, cool summers averaging 15.7°C (60.3°F) in July, with significant snowfall of 166.5 cm annually and only 70 frost-free days.
Ecology
Ecologically, Stoneman Camp is part of the boreal forest, with coniferous trees like spruce and pine, and higher areas transitioning to tundra. Rapid Creek and the Yukon River support fish populations like salmon and trout, vital for wildlife and local communities, enhancing the area’s natural allure.