How to Identify Gold When Panning for It

Gold has always been valued as one of the most precious of minerals. Indeed, many economies base their currency on the gold standard to this day. Panning for gold is one way of obtaining this gem, as evinced by the mass immigration to California in the mid-19th-century gold rush. The properties of gold, consisting of its luster, softness and golden yellow color, are also the properties of a few other minerals that are frequently mistaken for gold. Other minerals that are confused with gold include pyrite, mica and chalcopyrite.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Scratch your mineral specimen. Gold scratches easily and leaves a residue of gold-colored powder.

   • 2

     Strike the mineral with a heavy object, such as a hammer. Gold will flake off and even break when struck.

   • 3

     Note whether the mineral sinks rapidly to the bottom of your water-filled pan. Gold will sink and stay stationary. Other minerals will sink slowly.

   • 4

     Note whether the mineral occurs in grains as opposed to flakes. Gold is grainy.