Skyrim Ore Farming Guide: Find Every Type of Ore

Skyrim Ore Farming Guide: Find Every Type of Ore

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Ore Mining Guide

Welcome, adventurers! In the vast and magnificent world of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, where dragons roam and epic quests await, the importance of having top-notch weapons and armor cannot be overstated. While you can find many unique items during your journey, becoming a master smith and forging your own equipment is an equally rewarding path to greatness.

Mining for Success

However, acquiring the necessary ores for smithing can be a daunting task. Ores are not always easy to come by, and finding reliable sources can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, brave souls! We have compiled a list of the best ore locations in Skyrim to make your resource gathering a breeze.

Important Note from Sarah Prado, August 4th, 2023: With the recent Anniversary Edition update, new weapons and armor have been introduced into the game, requiring an abundance of metal for upgrades. Keep your eyes peeled for ore veins near mountains, cliffs, and large rocks – they often hide in plain sight. Remember that ore veins take approximately 30 in-game days to respawn, so make sure to mine them when you can or save up gold to purchase ores from merchants. Steel and Dwarven metal are exceptions to this rule, as they can be obtained through other means.

Now, let’s delve into the world of mining and uncover the abundant riches Skyrim has to offer!

14 Iron Ore

Iron Ore Vein

Iron, the trusty workhorse of beginning adventurers, is plentiful in Skyrim. Here are the top locations to satisfy your iron cravings:

  • Halted Stream Camp: Located near Whiterun, this camp boasts up to a whopping 16 iron ore veins.
  • Fort Fellhammer: Located near Dawnstar, this fort is home to 10 veins of iron ore.
  • Embershard Mine: Close to Riverwood, this mine offers 8 iron ore veins ripe for the picking.
  • Faldar’s Tooth: Located near Heartwood Mill, you can find up to 7 pieces of iron ore here.
  • Gloombound Mine, Iron-Breaker Mine, Blind Cliff Cave: Each of these locations features 6 veins of iron ore, providing a decent haul.

13 Silver Ore

Silver Ore Vein

Silver, the shining star of the jewelry world, can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim. Here are the best places to mine this valuable ore:

  • Sanuarach Mine, near Karthwasten: Get your hands on up to 7 veins of silver ore.
  • Cidhna Mine: This mine offers 5 silver ore veins.
  • Sunderstone Gorge, near Lake Ilinalta: Explore the gorge and find up to 4 veins of silver ore.

12 Gold Ore

Gold Ore Vein

Gold, the precious metal that glistens with wealth, can be obtained in several locations across Skyrim. Here’s where to strike it rich:

  • Kolskeggr Mine, near Markarth and Lover’s Stone: This mine yields up to 17 veins of gold ore, along with a few ingots and ore pieces.
  • Darkshade, near Whiterun: Explore this area to find up to 4 veins of gold ore.
  • Lost Prospect Mine, near Riften: Venture into this mine to uncover up to 3 veins of gold ore.
  • Bthardamz, near the Shrine to Peryite: Dig deep to discover up to 4 veins of gold ore.

11 Corundum Ore

Corundum Ore Vein

For those seeking to craft steel ingots and improve their gear, corundum ore is the key. This versatile ore is abundant in Skyrim, so let’s find it:

  • Knifepoint Mine, near Falkreath: One word of caution – complete the quest Boethiah’s Calling before diving into the 18 veins of corundum ore awaiting you here.
  • Blackreach: Dive into the depths of Blackreach and discover up to 14 veins of corundum ore.
  • Goldenrock Mine, near Darkwater Crossing: Unearth 4 veins of corundum ore in this location.
  • Dead Drop Mine, inside Fort Dawnguard: Explore this mine and extract up to 4 veins of corundum ore, along with several ore pieces.

10 Orichalcum Ore

Orichalcum Ore Vein

Crafting Orcish armor requires the elusive Orichalcum ore. While it may be more challenging to find, the rewards are worth it:

  • Bilegulch Mine, near Fort Sungard: Unearth up to 9 veins of Orichalcum ore in this location.
  • Dushnikh Mine, near Markarth: Discover 7 veins of Orichalcum ore here.
  • Mor Khazgur Mine, near Karthwasten: This mine is home to 7 veins of Orichalcum ore.
  • Giant’s Grove, inside Fallowstone Cave near Riften: Explore this cave to find 4 veins of Orichalcum ore.

9 Quicksilver Ore

Quicksilver Ore Vein

Quicksilver, a specialist’s ore, is essential for crafting Elven armor. While it is a bit rare, the rewards are worthwhile:

  • Quicksilver Mine, in Dawnstar: This mine boasts up to 5 veins of quicksilver ore, along with a few ore pieces.
  • Near the Wreck of the Brinehammer, near Dawnstar: Explore this area to find 3 veins of quicksilver ore.
  • Blind Cliff Bastion, near Markarth: Unearth 3 veins of quicksilver ore in this location.
  • Blackreach: Explore Blackreach for an estimated 3 veins of quicksilver ore.

8 Geode Vein

Geode Vein

In the depths of Blackreach, mysterious geode veins can be found. These shimmering rocks hold various resources, including precious gems and corundum ore. Additionally, some veins even yield rare ebony ore and soul gems. Keep your eyes peeled when exploring Blackreach and Solstheim!

7 Moonstone Ore

Moonstone Ore Vein

Light armor specialists searching for moonstone ore to improve their Elven armor or create Glass armor should explore these locations:

  • Mzulft, near Riften: Uncover up to 7 veins of moonstone ore here.
  • Soljund’s Sinkhole, near Karthspire Camp: This sinkhole is home to 5 veins of moonstone ore.
  • Southfringe Sanctum, near Helgen: Search this area to find 3 veins of moonstone ore.
  • Blackreach: In the depths of Blackreach, you can find up to 2 veins of moonstone ore.
  • Stony Creek Cave, near Windhelm: Explore this cave to discover 2 veins of moonstone ore.

6 Malachite Ore

Malachite Ore Vein

To craft the coveted Glass armor and weapons, Malachite ore is a must. Although rarer than other ores, the effort is worth it:

  • Dimhollow Cavern, near the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon: With the Dawnguard DLC, you can mine up to 8 veins of Malachite ore here.
  • Steamscorch Mine, near Kynesgrove: This mine offers 7 veins of Malachite ore.
  • Labyrinthian: Explore this area for up to 7 pieces of raw Malachite ore.
  • Ruunvald Excavation, near Shor’s Stone: Venture into this excavation site to discover 4 veins of Malachite ore.

5 Ebony Ore

Ebony Ore Vein

Ebony, the holy grail of ores, is used to craft the formidable Ebony armor and gear. While it may fetch a high price, Ebony ore can be found in the following locations:

  • Gloombound Mine, near Windhelm: Explore this mine to uncover up to 16 veins of Ebony ore, along with an abundance of ore pieces.
  • Raven Rock Mine, on Solstheim: In the Dragonborn DLC, mine up to 9 veins of Ebony ore here.
  • Blackreach: Dive into Blackreach for up to 6 veins of Ebony ore.
  • Redbelly Mine, at Shor’s Stone: In this mine, you can find up to 3 veins of Ebony ore.

4 Emerald Geode

Emerald Geode

Emerald geodes are a hidden treasure found only on Solstheim. These precious gems can be used to create Poison Spider Scrolls in the Imbuing Chamber located in White Ridge Barrow. Be on the lookout for emeralds and flawless emeralds in other ore veins for a rare find. And who knows, these gems might fetch a pretty penny if you choose to sell them!

3 Sapphire Geode

Sapphire Geode

Sapphire geodes are scattered generously around Solstheim. These precious gems are sought after for crafting Frost Spider Scrolls in the Imbuing Chamber. Keep an eye out for sapphires and flawless sapphires in other ore veins for a delightful surprise. The wealth you gain from selling these rare gems might leave you with a smile.

2 Amethyst Geode

Amethyst Geode

Ah, amethyst geodes… How elusive they are! Indeed, there’s only one vein of this rare gem in the entire game, and it can be found on Solstheim. If you’re aiming to make Shock Spider Scrolls, start saving up amethysts and flawless amethysts early on or prepare your gold pouch, for purchasing them may prove costly.

1 Ruby Geode

Ruby Geode

Saving the best for last, Ruby geodes are abundant on Solstheim, making it easier than ever to craft Flame Spider Scrolls. White Ridge Barrow and White Ridge Sanctum hold a wealth of geodes to satiate your crafting desires. These gems can also bring a small fortune if sold, offering a chance to line your pockets with gold.

Conclusion

And there you have it, fellow adventurers! A comprehensive guide to mining ores in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. We hope this information helps you on your path to becoming a legendary blacksmith. Remember, the world of Skyrim is filled with hidden treasures, and tapping into the power of ores is just the beginning. Happy mining, and may your weapons be sharp and your armor impenetrable!

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Original content by (Sarah Prado)[https://gamerant.com/where-to-mine-ores-skyrim/]