Where to Find Lead in Nevada

Lead in Nevada is dominantly galena and cerussite from the old silver-lead camps. Eureka in Eureka County was a major producer of argentiferous galena, and its dumps still carry massive lead-silver ore alongside anglesite blooms. The Pioche district in Lincoln County produced galena from the Treasure Hill and Bristol-Pioche workings, and oxidized lead minerals (cerussite, pyromorphite, mimetite) are common on the surface. Smaller historic camps at Belmont, Tybo, and Tuscarora carry similar mineralogy. Most Nevada lead specimens collected today are oxidized and brittle, so handle cerussite specimens carefully. The most productive ground is in Eureka district (Eureka County), Pioche district (Lincoln County), Belmont (Nye County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like lead is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Nevada, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Eureka district (Eureka County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Pioche district (Lincoln County), Belmont (Nye County).