Basalt, Nevada facts for kids

Basalt is a place in Mineral County, Nevada, that used to have people living there. Today, it is mostly a ghost town. It was once a busy stop on a railway line.

Basalt's Early Days

Basalt was an important station on the Carson and Colorado Railway. This railway helped connect different towns in Nevada. Basalt even had its own post office for a short time, from March to August in 1906.

This map from 1883 shows the route of the Carson and Colorado Railway, with Basalt marked as a station.

Mining Diatomaceous Earth

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

In 1905, a special material called Diatomaceous Earth was found near Basalt. This material is made from the tiny fossilized remains of algae called diatoms. It looks like a soft, white powder. People use it in many products, like filters, toothpaste, and even pest control.

Mining Operations

Mining for diatomaceous earth began in the area. By the late 1920s, about 5,000 tons of this material were shipped from Basalt to Los Angeles.

By 1940, Basalt was a very small place. Only about six people lived there. It served as a small supply center for people looking for gold and other minerals.

Mining started up again in 1944. In 1945, the United States Diatom Company sold its mining rights to the Dicalite Company. As recently as 2018, the mine was still active. About 15 employees worked there, producing over 2,200 tons of diatomaceous earth. The mine is located across both Mineral and Esmeralda counties.