Real Talk!

This is the perfect time of year for rock hounding. The snow is almost ALL gone and the trees are still mostly bare. I’ve got the itch... and the bugs aren't out yet!

I have a huge collection of rocks that I’ve collected over the years... and I’ve had to move them, a number of times. Still, they are like old friends and I will miss them when I move from this house, as I plan to somehow include them in the landscaping, lakeside.

Bancroft is a haven for rocks and minerals. Styling itself, since the 60s, as the Mineral Capital of Canada, it’s been said that:

1/ 80% of Canada’s minerals can be found in the 60 km radius around Bancroft
2/ 90 percent of the world's mineral content can be found in Bancroft's Ontario Canada
3/ Ancient mineral deposits around Bancroft, from the long-gone Grenville Mountain range, give the area a special energy (The early Mesoproterozoic tectonic history of the southwestern Grenville Province, Ontario: Constraints from geochemistry and geochronology of high-grade gneisses)

The Grenville province represents a virtually unique window into the roots of a Precambrian mountain belt. The Bancroft/North Hastings region lies within the Grenville Structural Province of the Canadian Shield, a northwesterly trending belt, roughly 400 kilometres wide and 2,000 kilometres long, extending from Lake Huron to the Labrador coast. The rock beneath Bancroft is between 1.1 and 1.8 billion years old, and has been subject to volcanic activity, glacial scouring, extreme heat and pressure, and intense faulting and folding. The Grenville Province can be subdivided into separate areas or terranes, which exhibit certain characteristics (type of rocks, degree of metamorphism). The Bancroft area consists of deformed carbonate metasedimentary rocks, a minor amount of volcanic rock, and a distinctive suite of nepheline syenites, syenites, as well as, skarn pyroxenites, calcite cored veins, and uranium-bearing nepheline rocks.

Mining was carried out on a limited scale, between 1880 and 1935, primarily as open cuts and quarries.

Sodalite was discovered in 1891 at a deposit near Bancroft, Ontario by Frank Adams, while he was studying the geology of the Haliburton-Hastings area for the ‘Geological Survey of Canada’. The mineral,a beautiful dark blue color, is very popular. It is used in jewellery and carving.

The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall visited Bancroft in 1901 and were presented with samples of minerals including a piece of sodalite from Bancroft. In 1905 the Duchess expressed a desire to use sodalite to decorate her home, The Marlborough House. When the order was received from London in 1906, the Duke & Duchess had been created the "Prince & Princess of Wales" (the future King George V and Queen Mary).

Sodalite also occurs as a minor constituent in the mineral aggregate lapis lazuli. It is believed to possess serious metaphysical and healing properties. Sodalite is said to increase one's confidence and to enhance creativity, and to have a balancing effect on one's emotions and mental state. It is claimed to alleviate fear and bring clarity of mind and is a good stone for Psychic Protection. Sodalite is believed to strengthen the metabolism and lymphatic system. It is also said to enhance self expression and communication, to eliminate confusion, bring peace and to facilitate spiritual growth. It also cleanses the aura. It soothes and calms inflammations.

This mineral is said -like it's sister stone Lapis Lazuli- to benefit the higher self. In particular, sodalite is said to help prevent diabetes and is useful in the treatment of digestive system disorders, balance the metabolism, boost the immune system and overcome calcium deficiencies. It combats radiation damage by soaking up electromagnetic smog. Sodalite treats the throat, vocal cords, larynx and helps with hoarseness and digestive disorders. It cools fevers, lowers blood pressure and stimulates the absorption of body fluids. Sodalite can also help to prevent insomnia.

Sodalite fuels your creative processes and enhances wisdom. It also helps one make clear rational, logical decisions. Sodalite helps one to speak their truth in a way others can understand. It is recommended you use this stone if doing presentations in a business environment.

As a elixir it helps to give one self confidence. It also helps fight lymphatic cancer. One may use the this elixir as a salve to treat inflammations.

Sodalite may be used for massage in sphere, egg or wand form.

Sodalite Associations:
Chakras - Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra
Zodiac - Sagittarius
Planet – Moon
Element – Water & Air
Typical colours - Rich royal blue: mottled with white veins or patches
Vibrates to #4

Oh yes, oh yes... it’s time to put my gear in the truck... that well-worn leather bag... loaded with sturdy shoes, long pants, a hat, a couple of bottles of water, granola bars, safety glasses, chisels, hammers, containers, bug juice and my trusty mineral guide.

As always, I’m looking forward to the civic weekend, July 29, 30, 31st, and August 1st for the 47th Annual Rockhound Gemboree. It was chosen as one of the top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario for 2010. I never miss it!

Addendum
November 3, 2011 I just got this email:

Hello Jody!

I've just read your Blog on Sodalite and it is the best I've seen with more perspectives that I did not know about the Bancroft area. I'm a "rock guy" (and a sculptor, writer, green energy efficient architectural coatings expert) in California near San Francisco. I've got several pieces of the stone and love it as a hand piece. It's one of the most calming and rich stones. I like it as much as beach Jade, which is saying a lot, as that is in category of it's own. However I have got it in my mind to find gemmy, translucent, even colored, (like Calcedony) "Princess Blue" Sodalite like I saw in one of the gem books. It a color that speaks to my being. I am fascinated by it and it does not seem to be what most people associate with the stone.

In your experience, does such a thing really exist up there and if so, so you know anyone who sells it, or cabs it for sale for jewelry or tumbling?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for a great day

Michael