Nevada isn’t just famous for its dazzling lights and tourism; it’s also a treasure chest of minerals! In fact, mining is another huge industry for Nevada. Did you know Nevada leads the U.S. in gold production, accounting for over 75% of the nation’s gold? With its unique landscapes, the state is perfect for mining all different types of minerals, metals, and gems. From sparkling opals to shining silver, each region has its own unique mixture of minerals.
For instance, the Northeastern part of Nevada is a hotspot for opals and gold, including the largest gold mine in North America, located in Eureka County! Northern Nevada is famous for its opals, while the Northern Sierra is known for its high-quality gold, especially in historic mining towns like Virginia City. Central Nevada’s volcanic history has also left behind deposits of obsidian, a glassy volcanic rock once used to make tools. And down in Southern Nevada, the Blue Diamond Hill Gypsum Mine stands as the largest gypsum mine in the state, providing materials for building plasters ... like the walls in your very own home!
Let's take a look at just five of the different types of minerals and gems that can be found in Nevada!
Five Minerals and Gems Found in Nevada
Nevada's mining industry produces a multitude of minerals and gems. Here are just five that you can find in this diverse state!
Opal
Because of their unique color, Opals are stunning gemstones! Very few places in the world produce this semi-precious gemstone, and Nevada is one of them. Did you know that opals are 5,000 times rarer than diamonds? This is because the natural process to create them is uncommon. As water flows through sandstone, it collects silica and carries this silica-rich solution into cracks and cavities in rocks. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind silica deposits that eventually crystallize into opal!
Common uses: jewelry, polishing, gemstones
Gypsum
Gypsum is a soft mineral that is used in building materials, and it’s found in abundance in Nevada! Gypsum is what comprises drywall and plaster, making it a key component in construction. While gypsum might not look as interesting as opals, they actually are capable of creating beautiful crystals. Southern Nevada is home to the Blue Diamond Hill Gypsum Mine, the largest gypsum mine in the state. Gypsum products help create the walls of homes, making it a vital part of our everyday lives!
Common uses: drywall, fertilizer, sculptures
Silver
There's a very good reason Nevada is known as the Silver State! Nevada is the second-largest producer of silver in the United States, after Alaska. Silver mining in Nevada began in 1858 with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in the Northern Sierra region. This was the first major silver discovery in the United States and why the nickname stuck. Silver isn't only used for jewelry and coins; it's also used in electronics due to its excellent conductivity!
Common uses: jewelry, soldering, tableware
Would you like to learn more about Nevada? Our Hello, United States! U.S. geography collection offers a unique and engaging journey through all fifty states!
Copper
Nevada is an important source of copper in the United States. The state’s mining regions, especially in the Northern Sierra, are home to some of the largest copper mines in the country. Since copper can easily be stretched into many forms and conducts heat and electrical energy better than most metals, it is used in a wide range of applications—from electrical wiring to plumbing and even musical instruments!
Common uses: wiring, pipes, musical instruments
Gold
Gold is one of the most sought-after precious metals, and Nevada produces over 75% of it for the country! Nevada is home to some of the largest gold mines in the world, particularly in areas like Eureka County and the Carlin Trend. And gold is more than just beautiful! Like silver, gold also plays a big role in electronics due to its conductivity.
Common uses: jewelry, electronics, currency
Want to learn more about Nevada?
In addition to being responsible for about 75% of the United States' annual gold production, Nevada is almost entirely located within a vast desert area called the Great Basin. And did you also know that Nevada is almost entirely located within a vast desert area called the Great Basin? Or that Nevada's state tree, the bristlecone pine, is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth? You and your child will learn these amazing facts and so much more in Hello, Nevada! our comprehensive state geography unit!
Our geography enrichment units are immersive downloads that guide your students through each state in the USA. Featuring engaging journal entries from Thaddeus, our traveling cat, as well as hands-on activities, reading and comprehension questions, and writing exercises, these units create an unforgettable learning adventure that brings geography to life.
