Geology and stories from the past
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.
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.
