Gold, Williams Mine, Hemlo (Specimen #300009)

Mineral(s): Gold, Quartz, Realgar 

Location: Williams Mine (Page Williams Mine), Hemlo gold deposit, Bomby Township, Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada  

Size: 4.4 X 3.4 X 1.6 cm

Description:  A truly unique specimen with a bright, yellow gold vein showing in realgar and quartz matrix on one side (natural) of the specimen and on the reverse side of the specimen which has been cut and polished, the gold vein is prominent. A rich, bright yellow, 1.2 cm vein showing across the reddish realgar face. A unique association of matrix mineral from a location that has produced much gold but not many collectable gold specimens. This piece is from an old collection dating to the peak of the mining operation and was collected in C-Zone, 11A Level, 14 Block.. This specimen is from a classic, well-known Ontario gold mine in the Hemlo gold camp. An outstanding, vibrant showing of gold for the specimen size. The Williams mine at Hemlo has produced more than 21 million ounces of gold and has been operating continuously for more than 30 years. Located just north of Lake Superior on the Trans-Canada Highway, about 35 kilometers east of Marathon, Ontario, it is currently an underground operation.  Production from the Williams Mine began in mid-1985 from the A Zone open pit located at the east end of the property.  Soon after, ore was also mined underground from the same area.