The Fox mine, once known as the Cortez, has been one of the largest producing mines in Nevada for almost a century. An official notice of location on the property under the name of "Fox Lode Mining Claim" was filed in 1914 by Charles Schmidtlein and Johnnie Francis. It had been mined in prehistoric times and had been known for years to the Indians of the area before the filed claim. The Fox turquoise mine is located in Lander County near Crescent Valley, Nevada. After going through numerous owners the mine was purchased in the 1940’s by Dowell Ward who continued the Fox’s development into Nevada’s most productive mine.
The Fox turquoise mine is said to have produced more turquoise than all other mines in Nevada put together. With at least 500,000 pounds mined by 1968 and for years producing more than 2,000 pounds per month. The mining operation continued to produce turquoise in quantity after 1968 and is still producing today. Fox turquoise is quite hard and runs from shades of green to an aqua blue color. It is found as both nuggets and vein material.
© Copyright 2004 Nevada Gem. Used with Permission.