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Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve

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Explore Quarry and minerals

  • Aerial view over the Mont Saint-Hilaire quarry in the fall
  • Photograph of a brownish smoky quartz
  • Photograph of a yellow genthelvite crystal, found in the quarry
  • Photograph of a beige-coloured siderite, extracted from the quarry
  • Perial view of the Mont Saint-Hilaire from the quarry side, with farmlands
Bouton fleche gauche Bouton fleche droit

Photo: Ville de Montréal - Air Imex Ltée

Photo: Gilles Haineault

Photo: Gilles Haineault

Photo: Gilles Haineault

Photo: Ville de Montréal - Air Imex Ltée

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Explore QUARRY AND MINERALS

The side of the mountain contains a quarry, which stands as a symbol of man’s use of the land. Quarries reflect our choices and economic development. They have evolved over time, delivering consequences that are appreciated by some and regretted by others. Mining has also led to the discovery of hundreds of minerals. Mont Saint-Hilaire contains a wealth of minerals known the world over. More than 370 minerals have been identified. Around 49 minerals were discovered for the first time, and some of these are even exclusive to Mont Saint-Hilaire. Rocks and gravel from the quarry are highly sought after. They must be mined and used in a responsible way that minimizes the impact to the mountain’s ecosystems and the beauty of the landscape.