Silver

In this sample sheets of silver leaf can be seen cutting through the host rock in numerous places. The specimen originates from the Siscoe O’Brien Mine, also known historically as the Miller Lake O’Brien Mine, one of the premier producers in the Gowganda–Cobalt silver district. The deposit was discovered in 1908, acquired by the Miller Lake Company in 1909, and later by Siscoe Mines Limited in 1945. Over its productive life, up to 1965, the Siscoe O’Brien Mine yielded an astounding 36,830,000 ounces of silver and 786,000 pounds of cobalt, making it one of the richest and most productive mines in the entire Cobalt–Gowganda camp.

A superb, high-grade historical specimen exemplifying the beautiful leaf silver textures and mineral associations that define this classic Ontario silver district.

Ex Peter Tarassoff collection