Stories, tips & tricks
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.Companion Gold
June 2015
Easing around the bedrock ledges and rock hopping, Terry and I came out into the open and were looking at a nice run of bedrock.
Easing around the bedrock ledges and rock hopping, Terry and I came out into the open and were looking at a nice run of bedrock.
The Smell of Gold—Part I
June 2015
Some claim they can smell gold. This may be, but when I take a whiff of gold, I smell dirt, rotten eggs, garlic or just nothing: my nose is everything but sensitive.
Some claim they can smell gold. This may be, but when I take a whiff of gold, I smell dirt, rotten eggs, garlic or just nothing: my nose is everything but sensitive.
A Few Tips and Tricks for Beach Mining
June 2015
When you think about the extremes to which a miner will go to get a little gold, it occurred to me beach gold could be "easy pickings."
When you think about the extremes to which a miner will go to get a little gold, it occurred to me beach gold could be "easy pickings."
Moore Creek, Alaska—Then and Now
June 2015
The gold was very chunky and much of it had quartz attached. Even back then I knew that the gold was very close to its source.
The gold was very chunky and much of it had quartz attached. Even back then I knew that the gold was very close to its source.
Nome Offshore Dredging Creates Challenges
June 2015
The Alaska state government has been trying to keep up with and maybe even stay on top of the situation by studying the problems associated with rapid growth and how to solve them.
The Alaska state government has been trying to keep up with and maybe even stay on top of the situation by studying the problems associated with rapid growth and how to solve them.
Key to Successful Prospecting: Confidence
May 2015
The one undeniable truth in prospecting is that the more time you spend in the field, the more gold you will find. Here are a few keys I use to help build my confidence.
The one undeniable truth in prospecting is that the more time you spend in the field, the more gold you will find. Here are a few keys I use to help build my confidence.
Piggin' for Gold
May 2015
Take a look at the picture—it’s pretty simple and you can build it yourself.
Take a look at the picture—it’s pretty simple and you can build it yourself.
Ask The Experts
April 2015
• Making a noisy dredge more quiet
• Making a noisy dredge more quiet
Exploring Snakehead
April 2015
On our fourth trip, we finally reached the top edge of the old hydraulic pit, and it was monstrous.
On our fourth trip, we finally reached the top edge of the old hydraulic pit, and it was monstrous.
Prospecting for Gold in Baja California
April 2015
It was one of those awkward situations as we walked, fatigued and too thirsty to speak a word.
It was one of those awkward situations as we walked, fatigued and too thirsty to speak a word.
Tips for Detecting Nugget Patches
April 2015
Certainly many other successful nugget hunters have mentioned these methods; hopefully I can add to or clarify these methods.
Just Another Ordinary Weekend
March 2015
There was no evidence that anyone else had ever worked this gully with the exception of some old sample piles near the foot of the ravine.
There was no evidence that anyone else had ever worked this gully with the exception of some old sample piles near the foot of the ravine.Getting A Successful Start in Metal Detecting for Gold
March 2015
Once you have a detector, learn how to use it and get out in the field—you can’t find anything with it in your garage.
Once you have a detector, learn how to use it and get out in the field—you can’t find anything with it in your garage.
Thinking Outside The Creek
March 2015
Imagine for a minute the year is 1850. You’ve read and heard that gold was discovered in California and the creeks are so rich you can just scoop it up with your hands.
Imagine for a minute the year is 1850. You’ve read and heard that gold was discovered in California and the creeks are so rich you can just scoop it up with your hands.
Ask the Experts
February 2015
• Drones for the independent prospector
• Drones for the independent prospector
Metal Detector Testing Methods
February 2015
It will not be any easier than on your table at home, and so testing a very small test target like the ballpoint pen can tell you immediately if a detector is suitable for looking for tiny gold nuggets.
It will not be any easier than on your table at home, and so testing a very small test target like the ballpoint pen can tell you immediately if a detector is suitable for looking for tiny gold nuggets.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.Introduction to Meteorites
February 2015
The distribution of meteorites across the planet was, at one time, thought to be random and unpredictable.
The distribution of meteorites across the planet was, at one time, thought to be random and unpredictable.Return to Chicken, Alaska
January 2015
I figured it would be quite conservative of me to shoot for about four ounces of gold instead of the twelve ounces I had found in 2013.
I figured it would be quite conservative of me to shoot for about four ounces of gold instead of the twelve ounces I had found in 2013.
