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.

Simple Rules of Gold Geology: Comparing Epithermal and Mesothermal Deposits

July 2017

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.

Critical Metals: Antimony

June 2016
I’ve been taking a look at the mining and uses of a number of critical metals in series of articles, and it’s time to take a look at antimony.

The Tombstone Silver-Lead District, Arizona

April 2016
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.

Eolian Gold Deposits

February 2014
Prospectors who specialize in electronic detecting for nuggets in desert areas are especially interested in this type of deposit, as it yields nuggets that are close to the surface of the ground...

Alaska Gold: Lisianski Inlet's First Bonanza

January 2019

In 1967, a local resident showed me a pouch of small gold nuggets and flakes. Several years later I asked the same person where that gold was found. He responded, “From the streambed below the old stamp mill at Apex.”

Exploring A Historic Lode Mine

August 2016
Climbing up the debris, I pointed my flashlight up a shaft ascending straight up as far as my light would shine. It was the stope of the pay shoot leading to the old tunnel above!

Ask The Experts

March 2015
Q: Is this gold or some other metal?

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