Titanite, Microcline Feldspar, Ferri-Fluoro-Katophorite

This excellent Grenvillian specimen showcases a striking, large black titanite blade that draws the viewer's eye immediately, set at the centre of a cluster also featuring a pair of light woody-brown microcline feldspar crystals and lustrous jet-black ferri-fluoro-katophorite crystals. Katophorite-group minerals are rare amphiboles that typically form in alkaline igneous environments, often associated with calcium- and sodium-rich minerals. Well-crystallized examples are exceptionally uncommon and are known to occur only in the calcite vein-dyke systems of this region of Ontario.

The specimen comes from the famous Bear Lake Diggings, historically one of Ontario’s premier mineral collecting sites. This locality is renowned for producing impressive titanite and fluorapatite crystals—some exceeding a foot in length. Formerly Ontario's first publicly protected mineral collecting site, Bear Lake Diggings was sold in 2016, and access has since been restricted. As a result, fine specimens from this site have become increasingly rare and sought after, making this piece a valuable example of the area's unique mineralogical heritage.

An old-stock specimen, this piece reflects the calibre of material once recovered from Bear Lake. While it does show some edge wear and bruising, such specimens are very seldom seen on the market. Despite the damage, it remains a significant and museum-worthy example from a classic Canadian locality.