Prospecting & Detecting
Route Planning Using GPS
January 2019 by Peter Gleba
My intention was to end this discussion with waypoints and routes, then I found USGS maps of the Plainfield Quadrangle.
Bedrock
I am going to break bedrock down a bit and explain my view of the varying scenarios I come across in the field.
Proper Assaying of Placer Samples
The whole purpose of sampling mineralized ground is to measure the values in a small volume of material that would be representative of a much larger volume of similar material. The key word is representative. Chemical and fire assaying will not accurately represent placer deposits by themselves.
The Mineral Range Districts of Utah
Most of the commercial mineral deposits are on the south and southwest part of the range between Minersville and Milford, though small amounts of gold and silver have also been found in iron-rich outcrops in the basalt to the south of Milford.
Trail to Treasure
We are both very experienced working this type of ground, and we quickly found the pay layer where we would focus our efforts. The bedrock has good gold, but so does the red hard pan.
Pocket Gold
Once a seam is found it can be traced for miles in either direction. While you are tracing a clay line, you are looking for indicators. The indicators that I look for are ironstone, hematite, different color clays intermingled with the clay line, and a very iron-rich, brown gritty soil.
What, Where and How for the New Prospector
How to go about the entire process of prospecting is a big question. The answer comes down to research and preparation.
It's Hard to Find Gold!
...even the best prospectors have times when they do not find gold. It is all about taking chances against tough odds and succeeding.
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• Ask The Experts - Need advice on melting gold
• Ask The Experts - Can gold be found with sugary, crystalline quartz?
• Making A Big Discovery
• More On Gold Indicators—What to Look For
• The Underground Mining Adventure Continues
• Alaska Gold: Lisianski Inlet's First Bonanza
• Advancements in Non-Toxic Gold and Silver Leaching
• The Mineral Range Districts of Utah
• Gold Prospecting for Better or Worse: Stupid Is As Stupid Does
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
