Lodes: meaning, definitions and examples

Lodes are rich sources of valuable minerals or ores found in the earth. This term is often used in geology and mining when talking about the original placement of these resources.

• The geologists discovered rich lodes of gold deep within the mountain.
• Miners have been extracting silver from these ancient lodes for centuries.

A vein is a thin, elongated deposit of minerals within a rock. This term is commonly used in geology and mining, but can also be found in discussions about patterns or structures resembling veins.

• Geologists traced the gold along a vein running through the quartz rock.
• Artists were fascinated by the intricate veins in the marble.

A deposit is a natural accumulation of minerals or other valuable materials. This term is also frequently used in banking and finance to refer to money placed in an account.

• The region is known for its extensive copper deposits.
• After receiving her paycheck, she made a deposit at the bank.

A seam refers to a narrow layer of minerals, such as coal, within the earth. It is often used specifically in the context of coal mining.

• The miners were working to extract coal from a deep seam underground.
• They found a rich seam of coal that promised to yield significant returns.