Beryl Pit
Quadeville area, Lyndoch Township, Brudenell-Lyndoch-and-Raglan, Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada
(Quadeville East Mine; Wal-Gem East Quarry; McCoy Beryl Mine; Pegmatite on Lot 23)
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Beryl Pit, near Quadeville in eastern Ontario, Canada, is a historic mineral site famous for beryl, especially aquamarine, and rare minerals like columbite and euxenite.
It’s located in the Ottawa Valley, close to Bancroft, known as the Mineral Capital of Canada, with the Rose Quartz Pit nearby.
The site features igneous pegmatite rock, formed from cooling magma, ideal for large, gem-quality crystals.
Mining began in 1897, with production starting in 1926, and it’s now a fee-for-entry site for rockhounds, with a rich history of various owners.
Quadeville is a small rural town, with Kauffeldt’s General Store as a local landmark, and summers are best for collecting due to cold winters.
Geographic Location
Tucked away in eastern Ontario’s Ottawa Valley, the Beryl Pit is just a 40-minute drive from Bancroft, dubbed the Mineral Capital of Canada, making it a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts. It’s near the Rose Quartz Pit, adding to the region’s allure for crystal hunting. Imagine exploring this rugged landscape, with Quadeville, a quaint rural town, as your base, where Kauffeldt’s General Store serves as the gateway to adventure.
Minerals Produced
The Beryl Pit is a treasure trove, especially for beryl in vibrant blues and greens, like aquamarine, alongside rarer finds like columbite and euxenite. These uncommon minerals, along with thorium-bearing specimens, make it a must-visit for collectors seeking unique, gem-quality crystals.
Geological Structure
This site is all about igneous pegmatite, formed deep underground from cooling magma, creating large, striking crystals. It’s a geological wonder where beryl and other minerals crystallized in a process millions of years old, perfect for those fascinated by earth’s artistry.
Mining History
Discovered in 1897 by Miller, the pit saw its first production in 1926 under T.B. Caldwell, shipping 4456 pounds of beryl to Germany. Over the years, it changed hands, from Canadian Beryllium Mines to Wal-Gem Lapidary, and now it’s a fee-for-entry site where rockhounds can dig into history, with past methods like small ore cars giving way to modern collecting.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Quadeville, a small rural gem in the Ottawa Valley, is steeped in mineral lore, with Kauffeldt’s General Store as a local landmark where enthusiasts gather. Rumors of Al Capone’s hideout add a touch of mystery, though unverified, enhancing the area’s charm.
Climate and Ecology
Summers here are ideal for exploring, with cold, overcast winters making collecting tougher. The rugged terrain and pegmatite formation, unaffected by climate, offer a year-round geological story, but the adventure shines brightest under summer skies.