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How to Locate a Spot to Pan for Gold

Whether you are a recreational gold hunter or a serious prospector out to strike it rich, you'll need to find a promising spot before you do any panning. Locating gold in a waterway can be tricky; it requires research, patience and persistence. By learning to read the geography of an area and putting the information to use, you can choose a place that is most likely to contain gold and increase your chances of a successful outing.

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a river or stream that has produced gold in the past. Look for a waterway that is fast-moving, featuring waterfalls and rapids.
- 2
  Check the surrounding hills for signs of quartz and mineralization. Both gold and quartz begin their formation as veins inside large rocks. Remember that gold will be present only in a mineral-rich area.
- 3
  Locate a section of the river that is deep enough to completely submerge your pan. Watch the strength of the current as well. You need a steady water flow that will move silt downstream, but not so rapid that it interferes with panning.
- 4
  Find a promising spot by looking at the river's natural features. Large tree trunks, gravel bars, moss and bends in the river are prime locations for panning.
- 5
  Work a few test pans from the spot you've chosen. Look for black sand as you pan; gold will not appear where there is no black sand. If you're not having any luck from the initial pans, move on and try another spot.

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