Things You'll Need
Instructions
Select a location where the soil is known to have gold in it. The area should have a stream; this is the most likely place to spot gold dust. The Gold Prospectors Association of America website lists places to look for gold. A link to the website is located in the Resources section below.
Walk along the stream until you find an area where the current slows down, usually located along a curve or bend in the stream. Areas of slow current allow the gold dust to collect.
Use a shovel or garden spade to dig into the stream bottom and fill a dark-colored pan two-thirds full with sand and gravel. Once the pan is full, pick out the most visible large rocks with your hands.
Dip the pan into the stream, so that it is just under the surface of the water.
Tilt the edge of the pan slightly so that it is at an angle, and turn it back and forth in a circular motion to loosen clay and sand. This material will float in the water and be carried off by the current.
Continue turning the pan until all of the large pieces of sand and gravel are removed and nothing remains but a fine sediment at the bottom of the pan. This sediment will consist of sand, soil and gold. You may not be able to see the gold yet.
Remove the pan from the stream and pour off most of the water. There should only be approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water on top of the sediment.
Turn the pan back and forth in a rapid circular motion for approximately 30 seconds.
Look carefully at the soil for the presence of gold dust. Holding the pan in a sunny location will help you spot the gold dust. The dust will sparkle on top of the sediment.
Use a magnifying glass to examine the soil for gold dust. If none is found, rinse out the pan and repeat the process.