Poudrette quarry (De-Mix quarry; Demix quarry; Uni-Mix quarry; Carrière Mont Saint-Hilaire; MSH)
Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
Key Information
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MontSaint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, is a renowned mineral locality, 40 km east of Montreal, known for its diverse minerals.
The Poudrette quarry, active since 1959, features over 445 mineral species, including 73 type localities, with 35 unique to the site.
The geological structure is an alkaline igneous complex, rich in rare elements, forming unique minerals like serandite and poudretteite.
Mining began in 1959 by the Poudrette family, now operated by Salmon Mining Industries Inc., with restricted collecting since 2007.
The area has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, and is part of the biodiverse Gault Nature Reserve.
The town is known for apple-growing, a historic rail disaster in 1864, and cultural events, enhancing its appeal to visitors.
Geographic Location
MontSaint-Hilaire is located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, Canada, approximately 40 kilometers east of Montreal, near the Richelieu River. It is part of the Monteregian Hills, a series of alkaline igneous complexes. The town is close to other settlements like Beloeil (5 km away) and Otterburn Park (6.6 km away), making it accessible for mineral enthusiasts. Nearby, there are no other famous mineral localities as prominent, but the region itself is noted for its geological significance.
Minerals Produced
The Poudrette quarry is famous for its mineral diversity, boasting over 445 known species, with 73 first described here and 35 found exclusively at this site. Notable minerals include serandite, known for its vibrant colors and crystal sharpness, carletonite, catapleiite, and the rare poudretteite, named after the Poudrette family. These minerals, especially the type localities, are highly sought after by collectors for their uniqueness and quality.
Geological Structure
The quarry is part of an alkaline igneous complex, specifically syenites with pegmatites, formed around 120-134 million years ago. This complex is rich in elements like lithium, beryllium, zirconium, niobium, and rare earth elements, which contribute to the formation of its diverse mineralogy. The rocks include peralkaline nepheline-sodalite syenite and breccias, creating ideal conditions for rare mineral crystallization.
Mining History
Mining at the Poudrette quarry began in 1959, initiated by the Poudrette family, who operated it until 2007. They allowed access for collectors, significantly contributing to mineralogical studies. Since 2007, it has been operated by Salmon Mining Industries Inc. under the name Carrière MontSaint-Hilaire, with collecting now restricted to a few annual field trips for members of the Club de Minéralogie de Montréal, ensuring preservation.
Local Culture and Characteristics
MontSaint-Hilaire is known for its apple-growing industry and scenic hiking trails on the mountain. It has a historical significance, marked by Canada's worst rail disaster in 1864, where a train fell into the Richelieu River, killing around 99 people. The town hosts cultural events and has schools like Ozias-Leduc, reflecting a vibrant community life, enhancing its appeal beyond mineral collecting.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is temperate, with cold, snowy winters (average lows around -13°C in January) and comfortable summers (average highs around 27°C in July). The area is part of the Gault Nature Reserve, a biosphere reserve rich in biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts alongside mineral collectors.