Where to Find Copper in Nevada: 521 Mapped Sites
Nevada has 521 documented sites where copper have been reported, and the best-known are Jean, NBMG Sample Site 2756, and South Zone. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 34 of the 521 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Copper Map: Nevada
All 521 copper sites in Nevada. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Copper Are Found in Nevada
Look on old mine dumps in copper districts and, in the Lake Superior country, in basalt flows and glacial float. Oxidized surface zones of copper deposits also carry malachite, azurite, and cuprite.
The richest reported sites in Nevada: Jean, NBMG Sample Site 2756, South Zone, Viola Claims, Ad Prospect.
Of the 521 sites, 34 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Copper Sites in Nevada
- Jean — Public Access
- NBMG Sample Site 2756 — BLM/Public Lands
- South Zone — BLM/Public Lands
- Viola Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Ad Prospect — BLM/Public Lands
- Delamar Zinc — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 2428 — BLM/Public Lands
- Silver King-Valley View Claim Group — Forest Service
- Son No. 6 Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Willow Spring — Forest Service
- Cumberland Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Eastside Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Gibellini Manganese Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Gold Run No. 23 Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Iron Rail Group — Forest Service
- NBMG Sample Location 1746 — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 2075 — Forest Service
- NBMG Sample Site 2423 — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 2762 — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 2954 — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 2960 — BLM/Public Lands
- NBMG Sample Site 3948 — BLM/Public Lands
- Ole Boy Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Panther Canyon Tungsten Prospect — BLM/Public Lands
- Pittsburg Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Silver Queen Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Willow Springs Prospect — Forest Service
- Alpine Eagle Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Anaconda Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Ballyoran Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Bel Claims — Forest Service
- Betty Claim Group — Forest Service
- Bluebird Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Blue Jay Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Blue Nose Group — BLM/Public Lands
- Bvl Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Copper King Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Crc Nos. 1-164 — Forest Service
- Dig More Claims — BLM/Public Lands
- Fireball Ridge — BLM/Public Lands
- Gingerload — BLM/Public Lands
- Goldfield — Public Access
- Gold Run No. 23 — BLM/Public Lands
- Groundhog No. 1 and Other Claims — Forest Service
- Hapgood Silver Mine and Yellow Dog Prospects — BLM/Public Lands
- Humboldt Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Independence Claim Group — BLM/Public Lands
- Krug Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Lc Claims — Forest Service
- Leon Claim — Forest Service
Showing 50 of 521 sites — every site appears on the map above.
How to Identify Copper
Native copper shows a salmon-red metallic gleam on any fresh or scratched surface, usually hiding under a green or black tarnish crust. It is malleable — a hammer dents it rather than shattering it — and far heavier than the rock around it. Green malachite staining on outcrop is the classic pointer to copper mineralization nearby.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find copper in Nevada?
Nevada has 521 mapped sites where copper have been reported. The best-known are Jean, NBMG Sample Site 2756, and South Zone. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many copper sites are mapped in Nevada?
We have 521 documented copper sites in Nevada, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect copper in Nevada?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify copper?
Native copper shows a salmon-red metallic gleam on any fresh or scratched surface, usually hiding under a green or black tarnish crust. It is malleable — a hammer dents it rather than shattering it — and far heavier than the rock around it. Green malachite staining on outcrop is the classic pointer to copper mineralization nearby.
What should I bring to collect copper?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Copper in Nearby States
Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.