Fluorapatite

A substantial fluorapatite crystal measuring just about 17.5 cm in length, notable for its impressive size and presence. While not as well formed as some examples from the locality, the crystal still shows great terminations, recognizable structure, and superb gemmy green “trilliumite” zones visible within, making it an excellent representative piece. Its scale alone makes it a standout specimen, offering strong display value and a sense of the large crystal potential for which this locality is known.

This specimen comes from the Bear Lake Diggings, historically one of Ontario’s most celebrated mineral collecting localities. The site is especially renowned for producing large fluorapatite crystals—some exceeding a foot in length—along with a suite of classic Grenville minerals, including titanite. Formerly Ontario’s first publicly protected mineral collecting site, Bear Lake was sold in 2016 and access has since been restricted. As a result, specimens from this locality have become increasingly scarce and sought after by collectors worldwide.