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.

Confluence Placers

June 2013
Confluences of placer streams are well known as concentration sites for heavy minerals. The basic reason is that...

All About Garnets

February 2013
I get a lot of questions from prospectors about garnets, their value and what they tell us about the geology of some types of mineral deposits. So I thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at the lowly garnet and learn a bit more about it.

Potholes and Other Bedrock Traps

September 2012
Potholes in bedrock can trap placer minerals and even be glory holes. They are, at least, interesting geologic phenomena, and at best, a treasure trove of gold nuggets.

$50 Million in Gold From 1857 Shipwreck Approved for Sale

March 2018

The gold is all for sale. Just one tiny coin alone could go for $1 million because of its combination of rarity and the history behind it...

Round Mountain, Nevada

May 2014
There are a number of veins in the disseminated mineralization, but the principle ones on Round Mountain are known as the Los Gazabo and the Keane.

Critical Minerals: Gold

August 2011
A few quick calculations show that approximately 11 tons of gold are lost each year just in the manufacture of new cell phones.

Critical Minerals: Tungsten

July 2017

Because tungsten minerals are heavy, exploration can be done using stream sediment samples. Prospectors looking for gold have found scheelite or wolframite in their placer concentrates, and in some cases this has led them to make important tungsten finds.

Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill   • Ask The Experts: What is a Spanish needle?   • Ask The Experts: Sulfides and fluxes   • Legislative and Regulatory Update   • The "Madonna Nugget"—A Weekend Hunt to Remember   • The Goldfield Mining District, Nevada—Part II   • Sunset Sunbaker   • A Prospecting Adventure in Mexico   • Critical Minerals: Tungsten   • Police Urge Author to End Treasure Hunt   • Melman on Gold & Silver   • Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices

Free:
MMAC Update