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Geology Adventures
Web Site
Grand Forks
Visitor
Information
(250)442-2833
Stonerose
Fossil Site
Web Site
Rock Candy Mine
Grand Forks, B.C. Canada
The Rock Candy Mine was named by it's first miners for the colorful crystals of fluorite and barite found there. Discovered in 1911, the mine
provided flux for gold and copper smelters in southern B.C. Cominco Ltd. operated the mine until it's closure in 1929. The crown-granted property saw several periods of exploration in subsequent years, but no further work was
done.
In 1986, Cominco suggested that the University of British Columbia acquire the mine for teaching purposes. The M.Y. Williams Geologic Museum at UBC arranged purchase by Bob Jackson, a geologist who specializes in
collecting museum specimens. Jackson's company, Geology Adventures, Inc., (
www.geologyadventures.com) worked with the BC Ministry of Mines to design ecologically-friendly, small scale mining plans. Collecting
of museum specimens commenced in 1991. Teaching access and mineral collector tours started the following year. To learn more about specimen collector access, click the link to Geology Adventures at left.
A continuing aim
of the owners is to involve more people in the appreciation of this unique resource. We value science education and support it in many ways. Trip discounts are offered to school groups, scout groups, and other non-profit
organizations. Donations are available for educational programs, contact bob@rockcandymine.com.
To book a school group, click “school”.
One of the future goals is to restore the many historical assets at the mine. Volunteers are needed for building restoration, trail construction, photo history, and signage. A "Friends of Rock Candy" non-profit organization is being chartered. If you would like to help, or have historic photos of the mine or area, please contact bob@rockcandymine.com
Currently, volunteers are building a photo archive, applying for Heritage status, and protecting the property. For the 1st time since 1929, Rock
Candy has full time residents. Visitors are not permitted except on tours and Safaris, as our volunteer caretakers are busy with projects.
While in the Grand Forks area, families can also collect fabulous fossils at
Republic, Washington, a 70k drive from Grand Forks. Collecting is available daily at
StoneRose, a non-profit, scientist-supported fossil locality. Parents and kids of all ages can find abundant fossil plants and
insects at this fascinating dig. Visit the free museum and gallery, where an expert paleontologist will identify your finds. To learn more, click the link at left.