discovery vein. The primary vein for the purpose of locating a mining claim. [Cases: Mines and Minerals 16, 30–33. C.J.S. Mines and Minerals §§ 13, 38–40, 69–83.]
vein
vein, n. Mining law. A continuous body of mineral or mineralized rock, filling a seam or fissure in the earth’s crust, within defined boundaries that clearly separate it from surrounding rock.