Geology and stories from the past
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.
The Silver, Gold and Gemstones of Candelaria, Nevada
February 2015
The Candelaria area is of interest to prospectors not just for silver, gold and other metals, but also for the beautiful gemstones found there.
The Candelaria area is of interest to prospectors not just for silver, gold and other metals, but also for the beautiful gemstones found there.
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.
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.
Prospecting for Surface Flood Gold Placers on Low and Intermediate Gradient Streams
February 2015
Sample panning is a very important method used to find the richest parts of a flood gold deposit before setting up equipment and running material.
Sample panning is a very important method used to find the richest parts of a flood gold deposit before setting up equipment and running material.All About Pyrite
January 2015
Most prospectors learn early that pyrite is fool's gold...but the truth is it can be an excellent indicator mineral for gold and in many cases does contain small amounts of gold.
Most prospectors learn early that pyrite is fool's gold...but the truth is it can be an excellent indicator mineral for gold and in many cases does contain small amounts of gold.
The Ely Copper-Gold District of Nevada
January 2015
The main ore deposits of the Ely district are associated with an east-west belt of altered and mineralized rocks measuring about one mile wide that extends 8 miles westward from Ely.
The main ore deposits of the Ely district are associated with an east-west belt of altered and mineralized rocks measuring about one mile wide that extends 8 miles westward from Ely.
Why Did This Silver Mine Close? - Pt III
December 2014
Narrowing down a closure date will allow you to check the commodity price during that time and possibly confirm that a low price, rather than a lack of ore, was the driving force that closed the operation.
Narrowing down a closure date will allow you to check the commodity price during that time and possibly confirm that a low price, rather than a lack of ore, was the driving force that closed the operation.
Gemstones to Die For
November 2014
Some gems can potentially poison you, make you sterile and even make you forget who you are.
Some gems can potentially poison you, make you sterile and even make you forget who you are.
Over the Divide: John A. Miscovich
October 2014
Mining “giant” John A. Miscovich died August 22, 2014, at the age of 96. He was the well-known inventor of the “Intelligiant” water cannon.
Mining “giant” John A. Miscovich died August 22, 2014, at the age of 96. He was the well-known inventor of the “Intelligiant” water cannon.
The Pedro Gold Dredge
October 2014
The decision was made to move the dredge intact, a massive undertaking indeed. The goal was to move it only one mile to the Busby’s Chicken Gold Camp, but what a mile that was to be.
The decision was made to move the dredge intact, a massive undertaking indeed. The goal was to move it only one mile to the Busby’s Chicken Gold Camp, but what a mile that was to be.
Ganes Creek After The Flood
October 2014
Doug told me that there had been a 100-year flood that took place in October of 2013 and it washed out part of the mile-long landing strip. It also washed a large, wide gully down below and above the camp.
Doug told me that there had been a 100-year flood that took place in October of 2013 and it washed out part of the mile-long landing strip. It also washed a large, wide gully down below and above the camp.
Gold Ores of the Delamar District, Nevada
August 2014
Even as late as 1906, Delamar was second only to Tonopah and Goldfield in production outshining many better known areas. Since the first discoveries, more than 700,000 ounces of gold have been produced from the mines here.
Even as late as 1906, Delamar was second only to Tonopah and Goldfield in production outshining many better known areas. Since the first discoveries, more than 700,000 ounces of gold have been produced from the mines here.
The Giant King Mine
July 2014
Most gold-bearing veins in this region are controlled by fractures associated with the Melones Fault, a late Cretaceous structure that is 108 to 127 million years old.
Most gold-bearing veins in this region are controlled by fractures associated with the Melones Fault, a late Cretaceous structure that is 108 to 127 million years old.
Our Readers Say
August 1999
• "...just about more than I can stand."
• "I hope you can answer my number one question..."
• "...I still go out and mine a little at my old stompin' grounds in Siskiyou County..."
• "...New Prospecting Club in the Southeast."
• "...9 ounces...in two weeks."
• "...It's no secret..."
• "...just about more than I can stand."
• "I hope you can answer my number one question..."
• "...I still go out and mine a little at my old stompin' grounds in Siskiyou County..."
• "...New Prospecting Club in the Southeast."
• "...9 ounces...in two weeks."
• "...It's no secret..."
Picks & Pans: Gold Recovery in Placer Mining Operations
August 1999
Two of the major factors affecting the profitability of a placer mining enterprise are the relative efficiency of the mining equipment, and the rate and percentage of recovery obtained while conducting mining operations.
Two of the major factors affecting the profitability of a placer mining enterprise are the relative efficiency of the mining equipment, and the rate and percentage of recovery obtained while conducting mining operations.
PGMs in the United States
August 1999
Until just recently, platinum-group metals (PGMs), especially palladium, had been holding their own on the market. But, Russia has now resumed shipments and it has brought prices down.
Until just recently, platinum-group metals (PGMs), especially palladium, had been holding their own on the market. But, Russia has now resumed shipments and it has brought prices down.
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.
The areas that were mineralized with the bedded ore were huge and vast tonnages were indicated, although they had no idea at the time.
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.
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.
Gold Deposits of the Ivory Coast
April 2014
Ivory Coast has considerable gold reserves, and this nation has the largest area of greenstone belts prospective for gold in the continent.
Ivory Coast has considerable gold reserves, and this nation has the largest area of greenstone belts prospective for gold in the continent.
