Comstock Lode Ore Types

Comstock Lode Background

• The wealth buried beneath the Comstock Lode was first discovered in 1859. It is disputed who is the initial discoverer of the rich metals, but the name comes from Henry Comstock, who was undoubtedly there during the initial stages. After word spread that great amounts of silver and gold were found in the hills of Nevada, miners came from all over the country to claim their stake on the rich Comstock property. Many even abandoned their sites in California, home to the first great Gold Rush, to seek ore in the Comstock.

Ore Type 1: Silver

• The initial type of ore that was discovered at the Comstock was silver. To date, it is the most plentiful of the two main ores mined at the Lode. Fifty-seven percent of the total ore has been silver. Mining operations continue to this day, but they have slowed down since the original operations were in full force during the late 19th century. During this initial period, approximately 28 million dollars in silver ore was pulled from the ground.

Ore Type 2: Gold

• While not as plentiful as silver, gold has been found in abundance in the Comstock. This precious metal comprises 42 percent of the total ore taken out of the Comstock. About 21 million dollars in gold riches was mined during the major initial stages of the Lode. The discovery of gold alongside the silver only heightened the desire of those seeking their fortunes in the Comstock Lode, as the massive California Gold Rush had petered out four years prior to the discovery of silver and gold in Nevada.

Ore Importance

• The Comstock Lode was important because it brought great wealth to the area that would eventually become the state of Nevada. Miners and their families showed up in droves to establish mining camps and settlements. This prompted merchants and tycoons to show up to seek their fortunes and other opportunities. Without the rich find that was the Comstock, the state of Nevada might not exist as it does today. It was the massive economic boom provided by the gold and silver that allowed the state to attract the attention of the federal government and sped up the area's trek towards statehood.