Composition : 58,33% gold, 41,67% silver
Mintage : 750

Winter's white gallery

More than any other feature, Canada is best known for its snow, that great blanket of white that covers thelandscape and influences everyday life across the nation; so much so,that expensive research has been undertaken to understand how this climatic phenomenon works.

Canada's research scientists are known for developing the world.s most accurate gauge for recording snowfall and automated sensors that measure snow accumulation and melt on major glaciers and ice sheets. However, most people will agree that snow's most breathtaking aspects have been brought to light by another long-established piece of equipment: the microscope.

[...]

Not all snowflakes are created equal. If it is very cold, they will fall as dry powder. Or, they may also take the shape of slender hexagonal columns that look like tiny wooden pencils under the microscope. The iconic star-shape people adore will only occur when the temperature is around -15°C (5°F) and the ice crystal can grow large and drift gently earthward without hitting any other crystals.[...]

In 2006,the Royal Canadian Mint also issued a $300 gold Crystal Snowflake.

CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKES - CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE - 2010 CANADIAN COINS 02 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 04- 14-KARAT GOLD and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.