Gold is heavy! Gold is 19 times heavier than anything else you will be
likely to find in your pan. This is the key to locating and recovering the
precious metal. Au, is the scientific symbol for Gold. Gold, silver and
platinum were deposited as an intrusion by volcanic pressures into fissures
in harder material such as granite. Gold is associated with quartz because
the same geologic forces of heat and pressure are necessary to create both.
Other indicators created by the same geologic factors would include orange
to yellow colored stains in the rock created by iron and copper oxides.
These oxides create what is known to prospectors world wide as "black sand",
and being heavy, will be mixed in where you find the gold. Water and
weathering erode the deposits and the gold being dense works it's way down
to the lowest levels ultimately sitting on the bedrock. Look for places
where the stream has cut down to the bedrock, Gold will find it's way down
to an impenitratible level.
The Rocky Mountains have risen and been eroded down twice over geologic
time. Glaciers eroding the mountain sides took the ore deposits and ground
them up as they slowly slid down the valleys. These placer deposits have
been historically the best place to find "free" or loose gold (placer). As
the glaciers melted they dropped their burden of ore laden rock in pockets
and streaks. The ore was further washed downstream by the glacier melt.
These ancient river beds are known as alluvial deposits and can be
identified by the round river rock.
As the present Rocky Mountains were uplifted the ancient river beds were
"relocated" into mountain valleys and benches. These "new" mountains have
been through the glaciation process as well and these ore bearing deposits
are generally located in the same mineral belts. By sampling in likely spots
along current day streams in the mineral belts where the flow has cut down
to bedrock through the alluvial deposits the educated prospector can locate
GOLD!
Naturally, this is only a very brief description of how the gold got to it's
present location and what conditions to look for. We'll go into a lot more
detail but, here are the basics look for:
1. The historic mineral belts in your area of interest. Remember that a lot
of erosion has occurred over the last 100 or so years.
2. Locations where streams and construction have exposed possible ore
bearing deposits.
3. Locate cuts that go down to bedrock, look for round river rock up in the
bank that has been exposed by the stream.
Prospecting Tips and Tricks
Prospecting
and locating Gold
Geologists estimate only 5% of Earth's Gold has been found!
1. Do your homework! Start by going to the library and look
into the history of where you plan to go on your prospecting vacation.
The mineral bearing areas of every state have been well defined over
the last 300 years or so. Gold has been found in varying amounts in
every state in the union!
2. Study up on the geology of the area, look at the map. Find
the streams and creeks that flow out from the gold bearing areas. Look
for historic mines noted on the map. USGS topo maps, quad maps, are
detailed enough to take you to the right place. Some of them haven't
been updated in quite a long time so be sure to check the date and
perhaps look for a detailed topographic map that is newer. DeLorme has
a great series of maps that work for this quite well. GPS coordinates
are very helpful as technology works for the prospector!
3. Use the Internet to find out current information on the
areas you plan to visit. Look into joining a club and share in the
member benefits. As a member many clubs and organizations will allow
you access to proven gold claims. Forums and chat rooms are also great
places to get educated in the fine art of prospecting.
4. Get out on the stream and look for the "signs". Gold is very
dense and heavy compared to about everything else. Look for a bend in
the stream or a rock that creates an eddy. Gold being heavy will
collect in these areas. As the water slows around the bend or behind
the rock, the gold drops out of the current.
5. Gold, silver and platinum are deposited as an intrusion by
volcanic pressures into fissures in harder material such as granite.
Gold is associated with quartz because the same geologic forces are
necessary to create both. Look for orange to yellow stains created by
iron and copper oxides. These oxides are what create the "black sand",
and being heavy, will be mixed in where you find the gold. Water and
weathering erode the deposits and the gold being dense works it's way
down to the lowest levels ultimately sitting on the bedrock. Look for
places where the stream has cut down to the bedrock.
6. Glaciers eroding the mountain sides took the ore deposits
and ground them up as they slowly slid down the valleys. These placer
deposits have been historically the best place to find "free" or loose
gold.
7. False bedrock... a layer of clay or dense material will act
as false bedrock and the gold won't penetrate that layer. Dig down to
and then "skim" material from the top of that layer. Moss and roots
will act as a trap for fine gold and small nuggets. Wash this material
gently and thoroughly and replant it alive where you found it. Always
fill in your holes, don't undercut trees and brush.
