The USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) is a comprehensive database of information on mineral resources in the United States. The MRDS contains information on more than 60,000 mineral occurrences, including data on the location, geology, and mineralogy of each occurrence. The MRDS is maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and is available for free online.

The MRDS was created in the early 1960s to provide a centralized repository of information on mineral resources in the United States. This information is collected from a variety of sources, including published literature, government reports, and data from the USGS. The MRDS is constantly updated as new information becomes available, and it is considered to be a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in mineral resources in the United States.

One of the key features of the MRDS is its comprehensive coverage of mineral occurrences in the United States. The database includes information on a wide range of minerals, including precious and base metals, industrial minerals, and gemstones. The MRDS also includes information on the geology of each mineral occurrence, including data on the age, lithology, and structural setting of the deposit. This information is important for understanding the geologic conditions that led to the formation of a particular mineral deposit, and it can be used to help identify new mineral exploration targets.

The MRDS also contains detailed information on the mineralogy of each mineral occurrence. This includes data on the types and abundances of minerals present at each occurrence, as well as information on the physical and chemical properties of the minerals. This information is important for understanding the potential value of a mineral deposit, and it can be used to help evaluate the feasibility of mining operations.

In addition to its comprehensive coverage of mineral occurrences in the United States, the MRDS also includes a number of other useful features. For example, the database allows users to search for mineral occurrences using a variety of criteria, including location, mineral type, and geologic setting. This makes it easy to find specific information on a particular mineral deposit, and it can be a valuable tool for researchers and industry professionals who are looking for new exploration targets. Be sure to read How to Get Started for more information.