History & Geology
Critical Minerals: Gold
August 2011 by Chris Ralph
A few quick calculations show that approximately 11 tons of gold are lost each year just in the manufacture of new cell phones.The Ely Copper-Gold District of Nevada
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201501/56-toc-ely-copper.jpg)
The Birimian Greenstone Belts of West Africa
A few years ago I had a tremendous opportunity to visit Australia and hunt for gold there. The geology of the gold deposits there was somewhat different from what I was used to here in the US. I learned a lot about greenstone belt gold deposits while prospecting them in person, and it was an amazing trip.
Prospecting for Silver Deposits
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201508/35-silver-deposits.jpg)
Conrey Dredge No. 4
The large buckets were favorable for the type of ground worked. The gravel was tenacious and compact, due to the existence of irregular pockets of clay.
Gold Deposits of Montana
Historically, Montana has been an important gold producer, in terms of both lodes and placers, and it still produces gold for the prospector today.
The Silver Islet Mountains of Utah
![Apparent fault offset.](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201401/TOC-Silver-Inlet.jpg)
Gemstones to Die For
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201411/13-gemstones.jpg)
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