For the last 15 years, with the rise in the value of gold and TV shows about gold prospecting, this niche hobby has been popularized across the nation. Many people have started wondering, is it that easy to find gold? This curiosity has led many individuals that were unfamiliar with anything related to mining to start looking for gold. It all begins with getting the right equipment. While it might seem simple at first glance, there are some things that a TV show won’t tell you. Choosing the right equipment is important when you’re preparing to go on a gold-finding adventure.
Why You Need a Metal Detector for Prospecting Gold
Most people think of a metal detector as something used by beachcombers, treasure hunters, or law enforcement officers. But there’s another application for metal detectors: they’re great for prospecting! They can help you find gold nuggets that are just waiting to be dug up.
Metal detectors have made prospecting for gold much easier and more fun. You can find gold without a metal detector, but you will have to do it the old-fashioned way, which is extremely time-consuming and hard work. Trying to prospect for gold without a metal detector is like trying to search for treasure on the beach while wearing a blindfold. The first step to getting started in finding gold is to find yourself a good, reliable metal detector. There are all kinds of metal detectors on the market, from really cheap ones to really expensive ones. For prospecting, you don’t need the most expensive one out there. They are meant for more serious use such as for treasure hunting or for hunting for rare coins and relics. The perfect metal detector for prospecting can be used by anyone with no experience at all and will provide hours of fun and entertainment.
There are several different types of metal detectors available for prospecting. Handheld detectors, such as the Minelab SDC 2300, are generally easier to use than heavier walk-through detectors due to their lighter weight and smaller size. If you decide on using a handheld metal detector, it is important to remember that there are only two ways you can detect gold: frequency discrimination or the electronic target identification modes on your detector. Once you have selected your detector, learn how to use it effectively before heading out into the field with it.
Shovel and a Pick
You will need a good shovel to dig with. When you are looking for gold, you will want a shovel that has a sharp blade and a sturdy handle. The blade needs to be strong enough so that it won’t bend while digging in hard ground. Some shovels come with replaceable blades, so if yours breaks or gets dull from digging, you can replace it instead of buying a whole new shovel. A good handle is just as important as a good blade because if your hand slips off the handle, it could get hurt. If your goal is to cut down on costs, then consider getting a used shovel from a thrift shop or garage sale. If you go this route, make sure that the shovel is sturdy and that there aren’t any cracks in the handle or in the metal of the shovel itself.
The pick is useful for breaking up harder rock, but it can also be used to break off small pieces of bedrock where gold might be hiding.
Gold Pan and a Classifier
Both the gold pan and the classifier are tools that will help you separate the gold from the sand. There are many other tools available but these two are considered to be the most basic tools for prospecting and digging for gold.
Treat your classifier like a shovel and you will use it more effectively; shovelling with one hand is much different than using two hands. The same is true of using your classifier; hold it with both hands, a little higher up on the handle, so that your thumbs are right above where your fingers grip the handle.
When you place an object in your classifier, tilt it back and forth gently, allowing gravity to pull the material down through the screen until it drops out of your classifier into your pan. Be careful not to tip over and spill everything out of your classifier!
It is important to only use enough water in your pan to cover what you decide to keep. If you over-saturate, then almost everything you look at will look like gold. On nuggets especially, check out all sides so that you leave them undamaged when you remove them from the water. Use a soft-bristled paintbrush or toothbrush to get rid of excess water after rinsing.
Eye Protection and Gloves
While many places require eye protection, it is a good idea to always use it while gold prospecting. Even if you are using a metal detector like the Minelab SDC 2300, there is always the chance of hitting a rock with your shovel or trowel. It may seem like a small risk, but you never know when a hidden rock will be directly under where you are digging. If you do hit a rock and get dirt in your eyes, it can cause serious damage that may prevent you from being able to see well again without glasses or contacts. So, for your own good, always use eye protection! You might also need a LED flashlight if you’re planning to go gold mining at night, so pack one as well.
Gloves will protect your hands from thorns, bushes, sharp rocks and cold weather. The last thing that you want to do is get an infection or cut on your hands. Protect yourself so that you can enjoy the whole experience safely!
Know Where to Look for Gold
Although you can find gold in many places, you can avoid a lot of wasted time and effort by knowing where to look. Several places have yielded gold over the years, and there are a couple of ways to find out where they are. One way is through a map showing where gold has been found. These maps will show you areas where gold has been found or is likely to be found. There are also maps available that show where minerals such as garnet and diamond can be found. Trying to find gold without one of these maps would be like trying to find your way without a map. You might still be able to do it but it would take you much longer and you would waste a lot more energy than necessary.
To Sum Up
While prospecting can be a tremendous amount of fun and incredibly rewarding, there are some concerns you should know about. One is making sure your state permits recreational gold panning. Another is staying safe during your adventure. But when you know what you’re doing and you go prepared, prospecting can be a great experience for both the inexperienced and the expert alike.
