Ask The Experts: How do I identify gold in hard rock that may be mixed with other metals?

September 2016 by Chris Ralph

Q: Aside from the softness scratch test and other methods of identification, what feedback would you have on identifying gold in hard rock that may be mixed with other metals that affect its color?

Sampling, Hydro-Shocking & Cleaning Quartz-Gold Specimens

May 2017

Many specimens have a small amount of gold and are not pretty to look at. There is a nifty way to give them a makeover and make them much prettier than they were when you found them. 

Alternative Gold Leaching Methods

January 2014
The ideal leaching chemical would leave behind what we don't want or need in the ore and take only the valuable metals.

How to Stake Your Own Mining Claims—Part I

March 2016

Many new prospectors start out prospecting in public areas and club claims, and this is perfectly fine, but the next step in the progression of becoming an experienced prospector is to locate and stake your own mining claims. 

Excavator Testing Wet Placer Ground

April 2013
The excavator or backhoe has become the tool of choice for testing placer ground. These machines are the best way to explore and sample a placer deposit if the ground is not too wet or frozen and bedrock is not beyond the reach of the machine.

Using Geologic Maps

December 2015
In order to see what geologic maps can do, we need to think about what we are looking for.

Breaking Rock the Old School Way

June 2013
Prospectors have many reasons why they might want to break rocks. These include dividing up a specimen too large to carry.

Pumping Water With Solar Power

March 2019

Solar energy can be used for any size placer or hard rock mining operation. It is most practical for small and longer-term operations provided your mine is not located in a dense forest.

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