DIAMOND PAGE — Tandem’s rubies attract interest

They might be small, but rubies from Ontario are of good color saturation, similar to that found in rubies from Thailand and East Africa.

Those were the findings of gemologist Warren Boyd, who examined rubies discovered by Tandem Resources (TDM-T) at a kimberlite pipe at its Guibord Twp. property, east of Matheson, Ont.

The discovery of rubies in a kimberlite target has attracted geological interest, as such occurrences are believed to be uncommon. A report by Lakefield Research revealed 1,680 rubies in two samples of previously submitted whole drill core.

Forty of the gems were classified as macro-rubies varying in size from 0.8 to 2 mm.

The new tally is additional to 110 micro-rubies, which were previously reported. The samples, which weighed in at 34.7 kg and 53.2 kg, were taken from two drill holes in the kimberlite.

A drill program planned by Tandem for the winter will include sampling of the pipe with a larger-diameter core. Other targets identified through geophysical surveys and which may represent other kimberlite pipes, will also be tested.

Tandem can earn an 80% interest in the property by spending $2 million by 2000. The company has already spent 25% of its commitment.