History & Geology
Kennecott Copper Mine, Kennecott, Alaska
October 2017 by Jack Geck
For approximately 30 years, the mines produced good ore, some so rich it was simply sent straight to bagging, bypassing milling and loaded directly on the rail cars.
The Tombstone Silver-Lead District, Arizona
In 1877, a prospector named Ed Schieffelin discovered silver in “the middle of nowhere” and staked two claims: “Tumbstone” and “Graveyard.” Soon a town and mining district were organized and acquired the name “Tombstone” after making a spelling correction.
Rare Silver Nuggets And Their Origins
Silver nuggets have been described as “ultra-rare,” “prized” and “unique.” Naturally occurring silver nuggets are rare enough to suggest caution when purchasing. Fakes have reportedly been produced and misrepresented for sale as genuine specimens.
Benches and Fossil Placers
Unfortunately for us mortal humans, we have a poor perspective on geologic time. When we look at a landscape such as a stream valley, we see it only in two, or at the most, three dimensions. We have poor comprehension of the valley’s fourth and most important dimension—time.
The Paragenesis of Gold & Silver Deposits
…if you are game for digging in and learning more about the intricate details of how gold deposits form, then let’s jump right in.
Flood Plain Gold Deposits—What Are They Really?
We just completed a trip to another river, and yes, there was definite movement and redistribution of gravels, and other prospectors have seen this as well.
Fabulous Florence—The Golden Town of Idaho
In September 1861, on a round-about prospecting journey homeward, five California gold miners discovered gold in the area now called Florence. While watering the horses, one of the men noticed a golden color on a piece of slate bedrock in the stream...
The Strange History of the Utica Mine
In the summer of 1854, John Selkirk, a discouraged placer miner who was down on his luck and ready to go back to Massachusetts, tied his mule up in a gulch north of what is now downtown Angel's Camp.
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The Bawl Mill
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• Ask The Experts - Where should I get my geology degree?
• Ask The Experts - How much rock shall I crush to determine the value?
• Placers Directly Associated with Lode Deposits
• Is It Time for a Change? New Ways to Find More Gold
• MMAC Update
• Silverton's Gold
• Procuring Mine Owner Permission at a Mine Site
• Champions Crowned at the California State Gold Panning Championships
• Drywashing for Fine Gold
• ICMJ Gold Prospecting and Mining Summit Postponed
• High Prices for Gold, Silver & Copper: What Does it Mean for Prospectors?
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
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