Post by greig on Aug 31, 2016 19:57:37 GMT -5
For your consideration, I have a number of rocks which were self collected in the Cobalt Ontario silver mines with the aid of a metal detector.
There was some interest on this forum for nickeline group metals, so I will post (and price) for this. From appearance and weight, each of these rocks is from that group. Typically, a rock that is dense in nickeline will polish to a nice copper colour. Silver of course will polish silver. I am not a Geologist and self taught on what metals are in these rocks and I still get surprised sometimes. As such, I don't want anyone to be disappointed with their purchase and if they are I will make it right. As for the pictures, I did a quick wash and some rocks in the photos are still wet. The only editing was to convert from Cannon to JPG and reduce the size.
Each of these rocks will make a metal detector or pinpointer scream, indicating they definitely contain lots of metal. Green stain on the outside is a good indication that they contain nickel. I cannot say how much silver (if any) or other metals are contained within, without cutting them open in slices, and lab testing would be required. As such, this is a little bit like the lottery - but better odds. I will only guarantee nickel and will give my opinion (only) on the other mixed metals, along with the picture. I am saying this so I don't create unrealistic expectations - without an assay, it is more an art than a science and I have seen people smarter than me make mistakes. Silver is currently about $20 USD/oz and collector value on good samples can be much higher. In this sale, I am charging by the lb.
As for processing, I have cut rocks with a tile saw, but do not own a polisher, so have never tried that. I have also tumbled rocks with various degrees of success. For sure, the ones that are mostly nickel or mostly silver seem to turn out best (most attractive). The silver is soft, so over-tumbling will create waste. I have heard that over polishing can create heat and will smear the silver. I have also panned out silver from the tumbler slurry and tub under the tile saw.
I will expect the buyer to pay shipping FOB Ontario, Canada (and insurance if you want it). If you are near Toronto, it would be best to pick up the rocks at my home outside of Port Perry to save the shipping. I checked the cost of US shipping via Canada Post/USPS and in my opinion the cost is outrageous. I did a quick online quote and 10 lbs was about $30 USD and 30 lbs was about $60 USD. I have shipped individual nuggets in an envelope to the USA that were maybe 1/2 lb for less than $10. I will combine shipping where possible.
PM me if you want references or a phone number or don't see what you want.
Silver Summit Mine. This rock is perhaps my favorite of the bunch, because it has the most potential of being loaded with silver and having good character inside. It has not been sliced. I see some exposed silver on the outside. It has calcite and I think maybe dolomite. There is some green stain. Approx 8"x3"x2.5" 7 1/4 lbs. Asking $100 USD
Brady Mine. This rock has been sliced on one end and there is a mix of silver, nickel and calcite. Silver also exposed on rind. Approx 2..5"x2.5"x1.5". 1.5 lbs. Asking $25 USD.
Nippising Hill Mine. This rock was also sliced and shows quite a bit of calcite and nickel. The vein on one side turns from copper colour to a grey. I am thinking the grey is antimony. Approx size 4"x1.25"x1.5" - 1.5 lbs. Asking $10 USD.
Beaver Temiskimng MIne. This rock has also been sliced on one end. The picture on my computer is a bit misleading - the darker grey on my computer is really a silvery copper on the rock. There is also a lighter silver material towards the top. I am thinking his is a classic mixed metal, probably containing a lot of silver, but not pure silver. Approx size 3" x 4" x 2". 4 lbs Asking $50 USD.
Hudson Bay Mine. This one is an ugly beast, but that may hide an inner beauty. I think I see some specs of silver on the outside. It is too big for my tile saw, so has not been cut although I am really curious about it. There is lots of green stain, so nickel for sure. I think it also contains some calcite. Approx 5 x 4 x 6. Now here is the kicker. My scales top out at 14 lbs and this is heavier. I will price it as if it is 15 lbs, but it may be 20+lbs for shipping. Asking $120USD.
Silver Banner Mine. To me this is a nugget. My suggestion would be to lightly polish this one and put onto a shelf. I think I see a little bit of calcite and silver. For sure there is green stain in places. Also a little bit of red stain. Approx 2"x3"x1" weight about 3/4 lb. Asking $15.
