Simple Rules of Gold Geology: Comparing Epithermal and Mesothermal Deposits

July 2017 by Chris Ralph

Geology is a science of general tendencies with frequent exceptions, not one of hard and fast rules that are always true and never vary. For almost every well-accepted rule of gold deposits, I can point you to a number of important exceptions.

Gangue Minerals - What Do They Tell Us?

January 2017
There are a large number of different kinds of gangue minerals, and each of them has its own tale to contribute to the story of the chemistry and geology of a deposit.

Gold Rush Continues in Africa

March 2015
…some miners are doing exceptionally well… with a few obtaining amounts estimated in the millions of dollars.

Preserving the True History of the Ivanhoe

April 2019

My partner had the contacts and it wasn’t long before we had an agreement in place and the company had a geologist on site. I recall a time when he was getting the lay of the land, so to speak, and he broke off a rock sample and inspected it with his magnifier.

Gold in The Silver Crown District, Wyoming

February 2015
When my field assistant Jay Roberts and I entered the mine, it appeared as if someone just walked out of the mine, turned off the lights and never returned.

Silver and Base Metal Deposits of the Pioche District

June 2014
The areas that were mineralized with the bedded ore were huge and vast tonnages were indicated, although they had no idea at the time.

SS Central America Gives Up Millions in Gold Rush Era Gold

July 2018

A treasure-seeking young man whose name will forever remain anonymous made the months-long journey either over land or by sailing ship to California after word spread about the gold strike in 1849.

The Birimian Greenstone Belts of West Africa

June 2013
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.

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