Gold, McIntyre Mine, Timmins (Specimen #300019)

Mineral(s): Gold, Quartz,  

Location: McIntyre Mine (Pamour Mine), Timmins, Cochrane District, Ontario, Canada  

Size: 2.4 X 3.2 X 1.9 cm 

Description:  A classic specimen with bright, yellow crystallized gold showing in a quartz matrix. Gold is plentiful and visible across the specimen. This piece is from an old collection and is from a classic, well-known Ontario gold mine in the Timmins gold camp. An outstanding, vibrant showing of gold for the specimen size.

The McIntyre mine produced 10.8 million ounces of gold in 76 years of operation. The McIntyre mine is now abandoned but has earned a place in Canadian mining history as one of the nation's most important mines. Its iconic headframe, located near downtown Timmins, has come to represent the entire Porcupine Gold Rush. The history of the Porcupine Camp is filled with colourful characters. There are many legendary tales from the region’s pioneer era. One of the most charismatic figures was Sandy McIntyre. He was a successful prospector who enjoyed life in the bush and, when finances permitted, having a good time. McIntyre is credited with two major gold discoveries, the McIntyre Mine in the Porcupine Camp and the Teck Hughes Mine in Kirkland Lake. After two rich finds, many would expect the protagonist of this tale to retire rich and join the upper crust of society. That just wasn’t McIntyre’s style. The legendary prospector enjoyed life in the moment.