Stories, tips & tricks
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.
Give That Club Claim A Chance
August 2015
My first trip to the claim was the tip-off that there might be larger gold to be found. I brought my puffer drywasher and my dad to a local prospecting club outing that was held at the claim.
My first trip to the claim was the tip-off that there might be larger gold to be found. I brought my puffer drywasher and my dad to a local prospecting club outing that was held at the claim.Will El Nino Move Gold for Miners and End California Drought?
August 2015
I remember in the couple of years after that 1997 flood, prospectors around California did very well, taking ounces of gold from places that had not yielded any gold for years before that.
I remember in the couple of years after that 1997 flood, prospectors around California did very well, taking ounces of gold from places that had not yielded any gold for years before that.
Trail to Treasure
July 2015
We are both very experienced working this type of ground, and we quickly found the pay layer where we would focus our efforts. The bedrock has good gold, but so does the red hard pan.
We are both very experienced working this type of ground, and we quickly found the pay layer where we would focus our efforts. The bedrock has good gold, but so does the red hard pan.
The Reason We Fight
July 2015
Joy was written on his face, holding up the nugget—his first ever nugget—that he and his grandpa dug up together.
Joy was written on his face, holding up the nugget—his first ever nugget—that he and his grandpa dug up together.
My Great Nevada Adventure
July 2015
…with renewed determination and a belief in success, I did finally find a nugget. It was there waiting under a bush not 50 feet from my truck.
…with renewed determination and a belief in success, I did finally find a nugget. It was there waiting under a bush not 50 feet from my truck.
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.
