Stuart, I also own another Gem company, Anglo-Swiss,ASW.V.
Recently while doing my due diligence I visited the Anglo office.
The biggest problem the company has is wiping the smiles off their face. To say they are extremely excited is a huge understatement.
I was absolutely amazed at the ease of extracting the iolite, a simple pair of pliers. I can not think of anything easier then driving up to the the outcropping and loading up a pick-up truck by hand. Unbelievable.
I was told that BC Mines will be sharing their booth at upcoming mining show in Toronto. What a wonderful endorsement.
Thier release today follows:
Anglo Swiss Resources Inc -
Anglo Swiss gemstones impress U.S. market
Anglo Swiss Resources Inc ASW
Shares issued 37,809,035 1999-03-04 close $0.42
Friday Mar 5 1999
Mr. Len Danard reports
Company officials recently showcased the company's new garnet and iolite gemstones (from the Blu Starr property, Slocan Valley, B.C.) at North America's largest gem show held annually in Tucson, Ariz. The gems were compared to the best available worldwide at the American Gem Traders Association show, the Gem and Jewelry Exchange, and several other large shows. Dealers who were shown the company's gems unanimously remarked on the unique colour and the high brilliance of the finished gemstones and expressed a strong interest in purchasing the finished gemstones.
After examining the gemstones, the Gemmological Institute of America in California, requested photographs and further information on the new discoveries. The GIA expressed an interest in publishing an article on Anglo Swiss' gemstone property in a future publication. World-renowned mineral photographer Jeff Scovil completed a portfolio of the gemstones, which will be included on the company's website (currently being upgraded).
The company has been approached to provide a comprehensive gemstone display at the new Pacific Mineral Museum, scheduled to open in Vancouver this summer. The museum has expressed an interest in marketing both the company's finished gemstone products and its mineral specimens.
Graded sample results from the 100,000 carats of iolite material obtained from the two surface showings late last year have proven encouraging. Although the initial samples taken from the surface were subject to alteration, the overall grade improves rapidly just below surface levels (10 centimetres). The company has estimated the coarse iolite material as 3 to 5 per cent top facet grade, 30 per cent cabochon and lapidary grade, 30 per cent specimen crystal grade, with the remainder classed as either low-grade or unmarketable.
The company is currently permitting for an expanded exploration and sampling operation at the Blu Starr property. This year's program will include large bulk samples of the gemstone deposits, geological and engineering studies, a geophysical survey of the placer claims, and intensive prospecting for additional gemstone resources.
The company will be showcasing the gemstones at the B.C. Ministry of Mines' booth at the upcoming Prospector's and Developer's Association Conference in Toronto, Ont. from March 14 to 17. Anglo Swiss' Gemstones of the Slocan Valley will be the subject of the keynote address at the Annual Banquet of the Chamber of Mines of Eastern B.C., in Nelson on March 20.
(c) Copyright 1999 Canjex Publishing Ltd. canada-stockwatch.com
company much closer to home, Anglo-Swiss, APL.V.
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