Silver

This specimen is a rich, rough sample of high-grade silver from the O'Brien Mine in Coleman Township. Thin veinlets of native silver run through the dolostone matrix, highlighting the quality and richness of the ore. The piece is notable for its association with the O'Brien Mine, a key site in the history of Canadian silver mining.

Discovered in 1903, the O'Brien Mine quickly became a major producer in the Cobalt mining camp. It was the longest continuously operating mine in the area, developed through five shafts, with the deepest reaching 345 feet. Over 16 miles of drifts, cross-cuts, and raises were excavated during its operational life. This specimen, formerly part of the Culbert Collection, offers a tangible connection to this historic mining era.