Nepheline Syenite is a rare igneous rock that, although resembling medium-grained granite in texture, consists principally of nepheline and alkali feldspars. The name sounds ominous but the mineral is not related to cyanide, nor is it poisonous. In fact, Nepheline Syenite is a very beneficial element. It is a "Swiss Army Knife" mineral whose usefulness keeps expanding.

In 1957 there were eleven separate commercial uses identified as the manufacture of glass, ceramics, roofing granules, rock wool insulation. Today, it is a challenge keeping up with all the uses for this material. Since the mineral is 75 to 80% pure feldspar, there are a number of companies developing proprietary space-age epoxy and resin systems utilizing the unique qualities of Nepheline Syenite.

 

One such project under way is working on replacing steel railroad coal cars with a molded feldspar body 1/3 the weight. The same company will soon be offering a bullet-proof "Kelver" material out of feldspar that can be seamlessly formed into a boat hull far superior to that of fiberglass.

The deposit detailed in this report is located at Table Mountain, Lincoln County, Oregon. On a highway map the claims may be found 15 miles (direct) SE from Newport/Toledo, or 12 miles NW (direct) from Waldport, on the scenic Oregon Coast.

Aptly named, Table Mountain is a plateau of 2,700 feet in altitude, in the Siuislaw National Forest. A good stand of Douglas fir and the presence of two natural springs provide a picturesque setting. On a clear day the ocean, 12 miles away, is visible.

There is a deep, from underground, spring on the Table Mountain claims and a creek running from that. The USFS has installed a spigot at the spring to fill their water trucks for forest fire control.

By road the distances are 25 miles from either point, with the best all weather route being a paved highway from Waldport for 20 miles, and U.S. Forest Service road the last five miles. There is a railhead and sea-going barge loading facility at Toledo, only 15 miles away, which could be accessed via a private logging road.

The deposit is covered both by 32 lode claims, for a total area of 640 acres.

The only known, besides Table Mountain, deposits in North America are located at Blue Mountain, Ontario (owned by Indusmin Ltd., a division of Falconbridge Ltd.), at Magnet Cove in Arkansas along with a new deposit located in New Mexico (owned by 3M). Worldwide, other deposits are located in Norway (recently purchased by Indusmin, Ltd.), Russia, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Pakistan.

You can also view a Flash version of this site with a virtual video tour of the property at: Nepheline.com or Property-Prospect-Showcase.com

 

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