How to Recognize Hard Rock Gold Ores

September 2017 by Chris Ralph

I regularly get inquiries along the line of: “Hey, I found this rock, and I think it might be gold ore. How can I tell?” Prospectors are always on the lookout for gold-bearing rocks that may be the source of any nearby placer gold.

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. 

Ask the Experts - proper mining claim procedures

April 2013
Q: Can you offer any information on proper mining claim procedures?

What, Where and How for the New Prospector

September 2013
How to go about the entire process of prospecting is a big question. The answer comes down to research and preparation.

Fine Gold Panning Without Using Mercury

March 2012
The technique I will describe is a much safer alternative and it works. It’s a fine-gold panning technique that eliminates the need for mercury amalgamation of most placer samples.

Ask The Experts

January 2016
Viewing details on Google Earth

Ask the Experts

December 2012
Questions regarding patented and unpatented mining claims and the legal rights surrounding them.

Hunches, Choices and Guesses

September 2013
When you approach a location, even if you've been there before, you should consider all the factors and conditions present at the site. This includes both natural and man-made factors.

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