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NNev - Virginia City

Folder: Virginia Range, northern Nevada
The historical origin of the state of Nevada, on the Comstock silver lode. Comstock silver helped finance the Union during the US Civil War, and directly led to Nevada's statehood in 1864--long before any of the other states in the Mountain West.
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Mine mock-up

Mine mock-up

01 Jan 2010 1 92
Mining museum, Virginia City, Nevada, USA. Note the ore cart spilling into the horse-drawn wagon.
Amalgamating Pan

Amalgamating Pan

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For mixing mercury(!) with the ore to dissolve out the gold and silver as an amalgam--a mercury alloy. The mercury is later distilled off to leave the precious metal. Simple--but there are a few hazards!
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FILE0142

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68 items in total