Geology and stories from the past
Rock and Formations of the Mother Lode Gold Belt
October 2015
The faulting, folding and shearing that occurred in the Mother Lode belt has created zones of structurally weak rocks or contacts between different types of rock, which has been favorable for the deposition of gold bearing ores.
The faulting, folding and shearing that occurred in the Mother Lode belt has created zones of structurally weak rocks or contacts between different types of rock, which has been favorable for the deposition of gold bearing ores.
Iron Ores and Iron Mining
September 2015
For more than 40 years, iron ore prices have been decided by private negotiations conducted between the largest of the iron miners and the largest steel producers. These two sides dominate both the spot and contract iron ore markets.
For more than 40 years, iron ore prices have been decided by private negotiations conducted between the largest of the iron miners and the largest steel producers. These two sides dominate both the spot and contract iron ore markets.
Prospecting for Silver Deposits
August 2015
In some ways, silver is the forgotten precious metal because it straddles both the world of precious metals and jewelry, while having many important industrial applications like a base metal. The price of silver reflects both the precious metal investment demand as well as the industrial demand.
In some ways, silver is the forgotten precious metal because it straddles both the world of precious metals and jewelry, while having many important industrial applications like a base metal. The price of silver reflects both the precious metal investment demand as well as the industrial demand.
Gold and Rare Earth Elements in New Mexico
August 2015
We import nearly all of our REEs from China, so it’s critical that we find and continue to develop domestic resources of these elements.
We import nearly all of our REEs from China, so it’s critical that we find and continue to develop domestic resources of these elements.
Ask The Experts
July 2015
Q: Is there a correlation between fault zones and mineralization of economic metals?
Q: Is there a correlation between fault zones and mineralization of economic metals?
Prospecting for Pegmatites
July 2015
…in some cases pegmatites have produced individual mineral crystals that are enormous, attaining lengths of over 40 feet long, and many of the world’s largest mineral crystals are examples that were found within pegmatite deposits.
…in some cases pegmatites have produced individual mineral crystals that are enormous, attaining lengths of over 40 feet long, and many of the world’s largest mineral crystals are examples that were found within pegmatite deposits.
Ask The Experts
June 2015
Gold in clastic black shale
Gold in clastic black shale
Ask The Experts
June 2015
Sulfides and oxides—what's the difference between the two?
Sulfides and oxides—what's the difference between the two?
California's Mother Lode Quartz Veins
May 2015
The actions of the hot, ore-bearing solutions are not limited only to the deposition of material within the walls of the fissures.
The actions of the hot, ore-bearing solutions are not limited only to the deposition of material within the walls of the fissures.
Surface Indications Of Quartz Adularia Epithermal Deposits
May 2015
I am going to keep to the basics of surface indications and visual clues in the rocks and minerals themselves that help me find gold-bearing veins in this classification of deposits.
I am going to keep to the basics of surface indications and visual clues in the rocks and minerals themselves that help me find gold-bearing veins in this classification of deposits.
Montana’s Rosetta Stone: Discovering Mines In The Treasure State
May 2015
This is the intelligent way to start modern prospecting. The value of literary research yields challenging outings, specimens, history and geologic research.
This is the intelligent way to start modern prospecting. The value of literary research yields challenging outings, specimens, history and geologic research.
Perception of Mining vs. Reality
May 2015
Many modern mining companies have taken to making a special effort to ensure the goods and services they need are supplied as much as possible out of the local economy.
Many modern mining companies have taken to making a special effort to ensure the goods and services they need are supplied as much as possible out of the local economy.
One of the Richest Beaches Ever Mined
April 2015
Everyone has heard of the golden beach at Nome, but Nome did not have the richest beach.
Everyone has heard of the golden beach at Nome, but Nome did not have the richest beach.
The Gold, Silver and Base Metal Mines of Eureka, Nevada
April 2015
...the area around Eureka, Nevada is well mineralized and seems to have a bright potential for future production of all sorts of metals.
...the area around Eureka, Nevada is well mineralized and seems to have a bright potential for future production of all sorts of metals.
Jadeite in California
April 2015
...two jadeite locations in California have been thoroughly researched by geologists. There are no doubt others that lie in wait.
Ask The Experts
March 2015
Q: Is this gold or some other metal?
Q: Is this gold or some other metal?
The Paragenesis of Gold & Silver Deposits
March 2015
…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.
…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.
Placer Mining At Chititu Creek, Alaska
March 2015
There is reason to believe these stream valleys are still rich with gold, silver and copper.
There is reason to believe these stream valleys are still rich with gold, silver and copper.
Gold Rush Continues in Africa
March 2015
…some miners are doing exceptionally well… with a few obtaining amounts estimated in the millions of dollars.
…some miners are doing exceptionally well… with a few obtaining amounts estimated in the millions of dollars.
Gold Refining In The Ancient World
March 2015
One thing that stood out for me is that Agricola was very specific about the type of metal or wood in the implements and vessels that were to be used.
