Spanish River Carbonatite is a rare magmatic, alkalic deposit characterized by:
• Chemical and mineralogical complexity:
o Loosely bonded nanocrystalline calcium, potassium, and phosphorous mainminerals.
o Widest array of trace elements including rare earths.
• No radioactive or toxic metals.
• Disproportionate concentration of:
o Hydrolysable bases (Ca, K, Mg, Na etc.).
o Volatiles (H2O, CO2).
o Lithophile elements, (a strong affinity for oxygen, having a greater free energy of oxidation).
Where these life essential characteristics (mineralogical-biological interactions) are found in extremely reactive alkalic rocks the most naturally fertile regions on Earth exist. The essential primary minerals contained in these rocks are the first to be utilized in biological systems. These extremely fragile minerals do not survive geological transformations (physical, chemical or biological).
SRC Geology and Discovery
Virtually all calcium carbonate (agricultural lime) deposits are sedimentary or secondary in origin. Relatively rare Carbonatites are igneous in origin and thus primary in nature. The extreme depth from which the magma has traveled characterizes this type of deposit. Carbonatites are only found at the weakened margins of colliding or separating continental plates. In the case of the Spanish River Carbonatite it is located in the Precambrian Shield along an ancient rift valley. Many geologists believe the major faulting, that allowed access to the deep-seated magma, which formed the Spanish River Carbonatite Complex and the Sudbury nickel basin was the result of meteor impact. The Spanish River pipe deposit was formed under the same extreme heat and pressure that produces similar alkaline kimberlite pipes, which host diamonds and garnets. It is under these extreme conditions that the unique Spanish River pure nascent calcite was formed, along with zones rich in biotite, apatite and magnetite.
The most dramatic empirical evidence in support of the effectiveness of the minerals within the carbonatite pipe is the natural flora and fauna of the immediate area.
The Spanish River is a well-known destination for paddlers and naturalists alike. It is the location of one of the last stands of old growth white pine forests and is considered one of the best brook trout habitats in Ontario. The influence of the Spanish River Carbonatite on the health and growth of the majestic forests and the buffering effect of the pristine aquatic habitat is certain. We often refer to the Spanish River Carbonatite as the heart of the area. The surrounding area bedrock is extremely siliceous granite; ill equipped to buffer the natural environment against the ravages of acid rain, yet the health of the area is undeniable.
Due to the soft, reactive nature of the Spanish River calcite, glaciation first dissolved and scoured a deep bowl over the entire pipe. Then 150 feet of glacial till was deposited into the bowl. There is little carbonatite mixing with the glacial sands. A seismic survey, in the late 60’s delineated a 25-foot layer of denser material underneath the glacial sands and overlying the bedrock. They speculated that it represented residual products from the dissolved and dissolving calcium carbonate.
Three other physical phenomena were observed during the 1996 program. All of the calcium deposits were either comprised of or associated with soft dense calcite. This soft material could be dug with your hand but still had all the structural detail found in the bedrock. The seismic survey was correct in describing a dense residual layer overlying the complex bedrock. A layer, 1 to 3 metres thick, of vermiculite was found, always overlying biotite rich calcite. This layer was comprised of +95% vermiculite. Thirdly, where the water table was encountered the water was highly carbonated, with strong effervescence.
On subsequent visits to the property, uncovered bedrock was decomposing at an incredibly fast rate. This rapid decomposition had taken place over only two years. Calcite was dissolving and entering the ground water. As the calcite dissolved biotite was left and began to form stratified beds. The final phase of this process was the biotite weathering to vermiculite, explaining the vermiculite beds uncovered during the 1996 program.
Biotite is potassium mica, an excellent source of potash. When biotite weathers it releases its potassium and replaces it with water. These water molecules that lie in the structure of vermiculite when rapidly heated transform into steam causing the vermiculite to exfoliate. Exfoliated vermiculite is used in agriculture and horticulture as a soil amendment and fertilizer carrier.
The explanation for the exceptional tree growth and aquatic habitat in the area can be explained by the complex symbiotic relationship that exists between the Spanish River Carbonatite Complex and the natural environment. Trees obtain calcium from soil, but to be taken up by roots, the calcium must be dissolved water. The reactive nature of the carbonatite has saturated the water table with calcium, phosphorous and potassium, which in turn ensures adequate nutrients are supplied to vegetation and pH levels are maintained to support a very sensitive fish habitat. The Spanish River water table is an invariable nutrient cocktail.
Spanish River Forest
