THE BANCROFT ANNUAL
ROCKHOUND GEMBOREE IS BACK!!
Canada’s Largest Gem and Mineral Show
BANCROFT, ONTARIO
The next Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree will be July 28th – 31st, 2022.
The largest gem and mineral show in Canada, the Rockhound Gemboree, is held in Bancroft Ontario every year. Bancroft is known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada” and an area with a rich geological history and mining heritage. Every August thousands of people flock to the area, from collectors to rockhounds to geologists and enthusiasts of all ages. There is something for everyone! Varying each year, around 100 +/- dealers from across the globe come to the Gemboree to showcase their gem & mineral specimens, jewelry, crafts, lapidary supplies, talent and treasures. Don’t miss out on the mineral collecting field trips, demonstrations, and workshops. The Rockhound Gemboree caters to both the amateur and serious rock hounder with a nice variety and assortment of attractions that it offers.
The annual Rockhound Gemboree is held at the North Hastings Community Centre (103 Newkirk Blvd) and The Bancroft Curling Club (63 Newkirk Blvd).
Why is Bancroft known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada”? Because of the variety and quality of the mineral species found here. This area lies on part of the Canadian Shield that is estimated to be 1.1 to 1.8 billion years old. Due to the excellent quality of the mineral deposits, in the 1880 there was much mining activity. However, the mineral veins proved to be small, so the size of the mines and quarries in the area remained at a modest size. After a while, the mines and quarries closed, as they could not compete with the larger producers throughout Canada and the United States. Mining activity in the area re-commenced after World War II as the search for uranium was on. Four major uranium mines opened in the area. These were Bicroft, Faraday, Dyno and Greyhawk. These mines were open from approximately the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s. After this time, they were closed down due to the high cost of mining such small deposits of uranium. Some other mineral species that were mined in this area are corundum, feldspar, nepheline, graphite, talc, quartz, radium, fluorite, gold, iron, lead, barite, apatite, mica, beryl, molybdenum, sodalite and marble. Interestingly, the marble mined here was of such high quality, it was used in the construction of the parliament buildings in Ottawa and Toronto. Also, many types of specimens taken from the Bancroft area can be found in museums and collections all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute.
For more information, please call (613) 332-3331 ext. 201
Mineral Collecting Field Trips
Lakeside Gems Rock Shop
Join Chris Fouts & Lakeside Gems on a Geologist-led Mineral Collecting Field Trip right in the heart of the Mineral Capital of Canada – the Bancroft area. Ask about our Private Group Trips for individuals, clubs and organizations as well as school groups. Visit their website for more information.
Want more great opportunities to dig for buried treasure with exclusive access to special field- trip destinations? Join the Central Canadian Federation of Mineralogical Societies Club. ccfms.ca
24 Comments
Could you please send me directions on how to get there. I’ll be entering Bancroft on Hwy 28. Its been years since I’ve been there, I used to go every year with my uncle.Thank you
From Maynooth direction turn left at the end of the Main Street in Bancroft and then right to the buildings. There should be lots of signs.
http://www.bancroftrockhoundgemboree.ca/map
Always a great show. It will be great to be able to go this year. Makes a great day trip.
it was announce in March that it wascancelled http://www.bancroftthisweek.com/?p=11377
Any news on 2021 dates, if any?
Will there be a Gemboree in 2021? I am with Girl Guides of Canada and am interested in bringing a group of young women from the Cornwall area to tour and visit. Thank you.
I would love to know too
I get it “covid ” big disappointment looking forward to next year. If anyone can share if they know where I can purchase fist size Rose Quartz and fist size Amethysts that would be helpful thanks in advance Denise
Try Scott’s Rock shop, Custer, South Dakota , I saw 4’ wide layers of rose quartz in rock cuts in area, huge piles at Scotts
You can get them at Oasis Beads in St. Thomas, Ontario