quartzfifty years ago essentially all of the gold mines in eastern canada were in quartz veins (ie Red Lake, Kirkland Lake, Pickle Lake and Timmins belts). Quartz veins typically occur along faults or 'breaks' when rocks fold. These 'breaks' allow metals to flow into the silica (quartz) and can often be concentrated in high amounts.
However, silica flooding in volcanic or sedimentary rocks tends to allow for a wider distribution of gold throughout the rock and as such represents a bigger target for explorationists.
Generally speaking, quartz rich or 'siliceous' rocks are a good pathfinder alteration for gold exploration.
SOI - expect news of the 2007 exploration program within 3 weeks. In addition, SOI will be updating their website with new maps and pictures from this past summer/fall work program indicating where the new RS showing and mineralized corridor is. Get on their mailing list and you will get a copy in your e-mail.
Don't confuse the 'lull' in share price with a lack of interest. This area is going to heat up BIG TIME. EVR is raising BIG MONEY to drill the Claude-Manuel trend. Should be a drill on the property within 3 weeks. GZZ identified gold values adjacent the Manuel Showing and suspects its a parallel horizon within a large deformation zone.
SOI also to drill Aquilon Extension in 3 weeks time.
Lots going on. The smart money will be buying more at these prices prior to heavy trading near the middle/end of this month.