Originally posted by SuperDave:

Curious, I have randomly found iron scrap metal piles around the swamp from time to time (outside, not in a crypt). Is there a more predictable way of finding these without going into a crypt? I think I typically find them on raised dirt areas that get revealed when using the hoe to do path work.

Use the stagbreaker and smack the ground in areas that you might think may have iron or silver deposits. If you get "too hard" showing up that is a good indicator of where to start using the pick axe.