Minerals of Texas: What Texas Minerals May Be on Your Land?

Land in Texas contains valuable minerals underneath the surface. From oil and gas to stone and salt, these resources can shape both property value and ownership rights.

This article explores the common Texas minerals you might find on your land and why understanding them is important for landowners, especially if you want to sell your mineral rights.

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Key Takeaways

• Texas landowners may hold valuable mineral rights beneath their property.
• Common minerals that are found in Texas include oil, gas, coal, limestone, and uranium.
• Mineral rights are separate from surface rights, and they can be sold or leased.
• At The Mineral Auction, we help landowners maximize the value of their mineral estate.

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Texas Mineral Resources

Texas is rich in a variety of minerals. These resources are used every day in technology development, construction, the energy sector, and even farming. Below is a list of the common minerals of Texas and what they are used for:

• Oil and Natural Gas – These minerals are used to fuel homes, cars, and factories. Oil is also used in making certain chemicals and plastics.
• Coal – Coal is burned to make electricity and used in steel production.
• Limestone – Limestone is crushed and used to make cement, concrete, and gravel for roads and buildings.
• Sand and Gravel – These resources are needed for construction, glass, and concrete.
• Sulfur – Sulfur is used in fertilizers, certain chemicals, and batteries.
• Salt – Salt is used in food, farming, and chemical production.
• Helium – Helium is important for medical tools, science, and balloons.
• Asphalt – Asphalt is used to pave roads and for roofing.
• Graphite – Graphite is used in batteries, pencils, and steel making.
• Bauxite (aluminum ore) – This is a source of aluminum for cars, cans, and airplanes.
• Silver – Silver is used in making jewelry, electronics, and solar panels.
• Basalt – Basalt is crushed for construction and road building.
• Celestite – This mineral is used in manufacturing chemicals and fireworks.
• Antimony – Antimony is used in batteries, ceramics, and flame-proof materials.
• Bromine – Bromine is used in chemicals and flame retardants.
• Caliche – Caliche is a natural stone used in constructing roads and buildings.

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Rare Earth Elements

Texas also has rare earth elements, which are special minerals used in high-tech devices. These elements include things like:

• Lanthanum – This mineral is found in batteries and cameras.
• Cerium – Cerium is found in glass and electronics.
• Neodymium – This material is key to making strong magnets in phones and wind turbines.
• Yttrium – This mineral is used in making screens, lasers, and ceramics.

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Where Can Minerals Be Found in Texas?

Mineral deposits are spread all across Texas. From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, each region holds different resources that power homes, build cities, and support farming. Below is a list of where many of the common minerals of Texas can be found:

• Oil and Natural Gas – This mineral can be found in the Permian Basin, West Texas, Eagle Ford Shale, South Texas, Barnett Shale, Central Texas, and parts of East Texas.
• Coal (Lignite and Bituminous) –  Coal is found in East Texas along the Gulf Coastal Plain and near Eagle Pass in South Texas.
• Limestone – This mineral is found in Central Texas and the Hill Country.
• Sand and Gravel – These minerals can be found across the state, especially near rivers and the Gulf Coast plain.
• Dimension Stone (Granite and Limestone) – Granite comes from the Llano Uplift in Central Texas, while limestone is widespread across the state.
• Basalt – Basalt can be found in Uvalde County and other parts of West Texas.
• Caliche – Caliche is found in the dry soils of South and West Texas.
• Salt – Salt can be found along the Gulf Coast in large salt domes.
• Sulfur – This mineral is found in the Gulf Coast salt domes and parts of West Texas.
• Helium – Helium can be found in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo.
• Asphalt – Asphalt can be found in Uvalde and Kinney counties in West Texas.
• Graphite – This mineral is found in Central Texas counties like Llano and Burnet.
• Celestite – You can find celestite in Central and South Texas counties.
• Silver – Silver can be found in far West Texas, especially in Presidio County.

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How Big Is the Mineral Industry in Texas?

Texas has one of the nation’s largest mineral industries, and it leads in oil, natural gas, helium, and coal. With over 25 Texas-based refineries handling a quarter of the U.S. energy output, the state is a powerhouse in energy. 

Beyond that, minerals like limestone, sand, gravel, clay, and sulfur fuel the construction, farming, and manufacturing industries. This thriving mineral industry keeps Texas toward the top in both production and value.

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Signs There May Be Mineral Deposits on Your Land

Although minerals can leave surface clues, these signs are not a guarantee that they exist on the property. Still, these signs can act as a guide that shows landowners what mineral deposits possibly exist nearby. Some of these signs include:

• Unusual Rock Colors – Rust-red or greenish rocks may suggest iron, copper, or other metals.
• Shiny or Metallic Specks – Sparkling flakes in rocks or soil can point to minerals like mica, quartz, or even precious metals.
• Chalky or Layered Rocks – White or gray layers of rocks may indicate limestone, gypsum, or other industrial minerals.
• Oily Puddles or Surface Stains – Dark, sticky spots may indicate the presence of oil or natural gas.
• Odd Smells – Sulfur or petroleum-like odors can be early signs of underground resources.
• Bubbling Water or Gas Seeps – Small bubbles in standing water may point to trapped gas below.
• Waxy or Tar-Like Substances – Natural asphalt or paraffin can sometimes rise to the surface as a waxy or tar-like substance.

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What to Do if You Discover Minerals on Your Land

Finding minerals on your land can be exciting, but it’s important to approach the situation carefully. The steps you take will determine whether you can benefit from the discovery and how much value you can secure.

1. Confirm Ownership of Mineral Rights – Check county records to confirm if you own the mineral rights to your property.
2. Review Local Production History – Look into nearby mineral activity.
3. Hire a Professional – Get expert help from a landman or geologist.
4. Decide on Your Goals – Choose whether to lease, hold, or sell.
5. Explore Selling Options – Use a marketplace to attract top bids.

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How Much Are Your Texas Mineral Rights Worth?

The value of Texas mineral rights can vary significantly depending on the location of your land, the types of minerals present, and the strength of the market. There is no one set price per acre, but a mix of factors helps set a fair value.

Here are the main things that affect how much your Texas mineral rights may be worth:

• Location of the Land – Mineral rights in areas like the Permian Basin or Eagle Ford Shale are often worth more because they have a proven record of having oil and gas deposits nearby.
• Mineral Type – Oil, gas, rare earth elements, and metals usually bring higher value than common clay, gravel, or sand.
• Production History – Land that has already produced oil, gas, or other minerals may be worth less if much of the deposit is already gone.
• Market Conditions – Oil and gas prices fluctuate, and these shifts directly impact the value of mineral rights.
• Lease Terms – Bonus payments, royalty rates, and lease expiration dates can affect the value.
• Mineral and Royalty Interests – Sometimes, you may only own part of the mineral rights or royalty income. Your percentage will affect your share of the total worth.
• Future Development – Advances in drilling or mining can make land more valuable if nearby operations expand or technology makes it easier to reach mineral deposits.

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Partner with The Mineral Auction Today to Sell Your Mineral Rights

From energy resources to construction materials, knowing what’s beneath the surface is just as important as what’s above it. At The Mineral Auction, we help landowners sell their mineral rights with confidence. 

Understanding what type of minerals may exist on your property can help you make better decisions. Our team ensures you have the knowledge and support you need to make the most of your property’s true worth. 

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Do you want to maximize the value of your mineral rights? Partner with The Mineral Auction today.

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