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How to Prospect for Gold

To prospect for gold, you need to know a little about it. There are two kinds of gold prospecting. Difficult to find is hard rock gold. The flakes are so small they have to be crushed and leached out of the hard rock. The big companies do this kind of mining.

The kind of gold most small propectors search for is called placer gold.

There are four ways the gold is distributed in nature. The first is called residual. That is where the vein of gold has weathered out of a cropping and remains "in place" hence the name "placer gold". The second is eluvial. The gold has traveled a short distance from weathering out of the matrix but is not yet in the streams or other water sources. The third distribution is alluvial. The gold has traveled and come to rest in streams and rivers. Usually, being a heavy metal, the gold lies on or near the bedrock. The fourth kind of placer gold is beach placers. Small gold particles from the river make it all the way to the ocean. Wave action produces black sand layers containing fine gold.

Because it's easier most individual prospectors start out looking for flakes and nuggets of free placer gold. Many use a metal detector to make it easier to find.

It's exciting to find gold and the term "gold fever" is quite accurate once you find your own gold. Some health benefits are getting out in the outdoors, getting some good exercise, plus the value of whatever you might find, gold or not. Here are some of the techniques used to find gold with or without a metal detector:

Things You'll Need

gold pan
shovel
bucket
metal detector

Instructions

- 1
  The individual well-armed with a through knowledge of prospecting techniques, gold geology, and placer deposits will tend to find more gold over the long haul. Using a metal detector increases the likelihood of finding the gold.
- 2
  Lots of equipment such as metal detectors, shovels, rock picks, rock hammers and other accessories are available. Most individuals start off small and purchase more advanced equipment, and even a more advanced metal detector, as they get more involved in the hobby.
- 3
  You can purchase a gold pan for as little as $10, grab a shovel and bucket, and get ready to pan for gold in the streams. Or there are many brands of metal detectors such as Whites or Radio Shack, suction dredges, dry placer machines and others. There are many gold recovery devices.
- 4
  Purchase a "how to" book so you can decide the best method of retrieving the gold whether you decide to pan for it or use a metal detector. Also a book of "gold locations" is going to be very helpful.
- 5
  Look in the white government pages to see if there is a local Department of Mines. You may be able to get maps of many gold mines and locations.
- 6
  Look in the yellow pages under prospecting equipment. When you are in the store, talk to the clerks. They are usually very knowledgeable and can lead you in the right direction for prospecting for gold. They will be able to direct you also in the selection of the correct metal detector depending on the area you are searching.
- 7
  A good basic geology textbook can be helpful in searching for geologic conditions an amateur prospector may find in the field.
- 8
  Also you may find specific information on the internet of experiences of other prospectors, prospecting research, and website for manufacturers and prospecting shops that have useful equipment such as that timesaving metal detector. There are sites with aerial photos that may help you research places to prospect.
- 9
  Research the internet for more detailed information on geology and placer formations. A number of websites and forums will answer questions you may have. It's a great way to learn more about mining gold before your first trip out.
- 10
  Look for links to other prospecting sites. During the winter months when the weather doesn't allow prospecting in the field is a great time to do a lot of research.
- 11
  Whether its searching for the next gold nugget you can call your own, or hunting, hiking, fishing, off-road exploring, or any of the other many outdoor hobbies many folks participate in, gold fever could strike at any time.
- 12
  
  For about any outdoor person, it's worthwhile to know a little about geology and gold deposits because the next big find may be yours!

Rock Collecting