Friends of Murphys Point Park

Safe Travels, Monarch Butterflies!

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Friends of Murphys Point

As summer draws to a close, we are given a last look at some of the wonderful migratory species that inhabit Murphys Point for only a fleeting period of time, one of these being the Monarch Butterfly. It is important to appreciate these insects before they head for warmer climates.

After emerging from their chrysalis in late August, new monarch butterflies prepare to fly to central Mexico for the winter. At Murphys Point, the best place to see monarchs is the Lally Homestead, a habitat with an abundance of milkweed and other native wildflowers which provide food and shelter for larvae and adults alike. 🐛

Catch a glimpse of this beautiful butterfly before it begins a 3 000 kilometre journey, not to return until the following summer!

Minerals of the Silver Queen Mine: Feldspar

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Friends of Murphys Point

In addition to mica and apatite, you will find feldspar while exploring the Silver Queen Mine. This mineral can present as white or pink and is one of three key minerals that make up granite. ⛏️

Feldspar was historically used for manufacturing pottery, porcelain, and enamelware, as well as in soaps and washing compounds. Between 1911 and 1914, the mine sold around 3000 tons of feldspar for almost $9000 before the feldspar industry was deemed non-essential during wartime

If you would like to see all that the Silver Queen Mine has to offer, here are the remaining dates of our guided tours:

Wednesday, August 28th
Friday, August 30th
Sunday, September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Sunday, October 6th and 13th

*All tours begin at 10am in the Lally Homestead parking lot. Preregistration with our park gatehouse (either in person or by phone) is required to attend our August tours and September 1st tour.

Feldspar, apatite, and mica in the Silver Queen Mine

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Murphys Point, Murphys Point Provincial Park, Silver Queen Mine, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Minerals of the Silver Queen Mine: Apatite

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Friends of Murphys Point

Did you know that several minerals were mined at Murphys Point over 100 years ago? Apatite, a green mineral rich in phosphorus, was used for making fertilizer since phosphorus is conducive to plant growth. It was ground and treated with sulphuric acid, making a fertilizer that was much more effective than barnyard manure. The mine produced around 1000 tones of apatite between 1903 and 1920, valued at around $7000!

Hungry to learn more? Take a guided tour of the Silver Queen Mine to see where apatite and other minerals were extracted over 100 years ago! ⛏️

Guided tours run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the remainder of August. These tours begin at 10am in the Lally Homestead Parking Lot and require pre-registration with our gatehouse. Starting September 1 we have guided tours every Sunday at 10 am for the rest of the season, and these tours do not require pre-registration. Hope to see you there!