Canadian Crystals & Gemstones

Canadian Crystals & Gemstones

Although Canada may not boast a bountiful resource of traditional crystals and gemstones like rubies, emeralds and diamonds, it does however offer a varied assortment of other appealing gemstones. Since the 19^th century geological explorations have disclosed gemstone occurrences and deposits in mined boulders and bedrock from Mount Sidney Williams, Mount Ogden, and the Cry Lake and Dease Lake areas of British Columbia. Rough crystals and minerals have also been found in the Yukon Territory.

Canada happens to be the world's leading commercial producer of nephrite jade, with significant rhodonite production also. Canadian gem deposits of amethyst, sodalite, rose quartz, labradorite and opal are mostly exported to the US, East Asia and Europe.

Popular Canadian Crystals

Ammolite

Canada's newest gemstone, ammolite is an opal-like organic crystal that is derived from ammonite fossil shells. The rare gemstone boasts a spectrum of iridescent colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. The world's entire commercial production of ammolite comes from an area situated along the St. Mary River, in southwestern Alberta, Canada.

Clear & Smoky Quartz

Clear and smoky quartz crystals were found at the Nanisivik Mine, on Baffin Island, Nunavut, before its closure in 2002. Pyrite, calcite, dolomite and sphalerite, and other less common minerals, have also been unearthed here. Clear quartz is the most common gemstone in the quartz family, followed by milky white quartz, pink, purple and brown to black smoky quartz. Quartz is a premier grounding stone that effectively transmutes negative energy.

Gaspeite

Typically found in only two locations in the world (Canada and Australia), gaspeite is an unusual green and brown colored crystal with strong healing properties. Named after the location of its discovery, at the Gaspe Peninsula in Canada, this gemstone is colored pale green through to apple green, with brown inclusions. Due to the depletion of deposits, gaspeite is now considered to be a rare crystal. Many people use the stone as a healing aid because it has a natural high healing vibration that can also help with spiritual development.

Hackmanite

Found in the York River area of Bancroft, Ontario, hackmanite is a rare sulfur-rich variety of sodalite. When the crystal is first mined it appears pale to deep violet in color. Once exposed to sunlight the color changes to pale grey or green-white. If the crystal is exposed to ultraviolet light the original violet color returns.

Hessonite

Although mined in other parts of the world, there are many deposits of hessonite around Quebec, Canada. Hessonite is a member of the grossular garnet family of crystals, and is known for its distinctive honey-yellow to brown-red cinnamon color. Often called the cinnamon stone, hessonite has a lower density and hardness than other forms of garnet.

Natrolite

Natrolite is a common mineral that is often made up of interconnected crystal sprays. These fan shaped cluster sprays feature elongated prismatic crystals that rise out from the base at variable angles. Natrolite can be white, grey, brown, colorless or pale yellow or green. As a high vibration crystal, natrolite absorbs toxic energy and products, and makes a great stone for clearing the home environment. The crystal is also an effective healing aid and can be used to harmonize the nervous system.

Scapolite

Another rare Canadian crystal, scapolite is typically faceted in shape and honey yellow in color, but can also be colorless, grey, brown, orange, violet or pink. This lesser known gemstone is closely related to chrysolite and diopside and can also exhibit ‘cat’s eye’ qualities. The Canadian source of scapolite is often multicolored and features mottled patterns. This stone has a strong energy that can benefit mental and physical ailments.