Recreational gold prospecting is a popular activity for many
individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors and dream of striking it
rich someday. This activity is most popular in the western United
States, especially California, but prospectors can find gold in many
different locations. Miners today are able to find gold in the eastern
US in the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and other states.
Individuals who want to start looking for this precious mineral will need to assemble some basic equipment. The Gold Prospectors Association of America recognizes four methods of prospecting. Those methods are panning, the use of hand fed sluices, using a high-banker and dredging.
Many beginners limit their activity to panning because it is simple to do and requires minimal equipment. A pan separates lighter materials, including sand and small rocks, from the heavier gold nuggets and flakes. Pans are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Pans range from 10 inches to 17 inches in diameter. The most popular size is 14 inches. Larger pans will allow the prospector to work through more material faster but they are very heavy when filled with wet material.
Most pans are made of plastic or steel. Plastic is lightweight yet durable enough to last for years. The material will not react to a magnet, which makes it easier to remove black sand from the pan. Individuals who want an authentic experience choose to stick with a traditional metal pan.
Color may not seem like a big deal but it is when considering the prospector must be able to see gold pieces easily against the pan. Green, blue and black are the most common colors. Some individuals avoid black because it is difficult to see the black sand.
Beginners can buy a gold panning kit containing everything they need to get started. These kits include a pan and a snuffer bottle used for picking up gold. They also have a small vial for storing the gold. Deluxe kits often include a display cup and a small folding jeweler's loupe. Many kits include informational booklets with tips for the beginner prospector.
With the proper prospecting tools, anyone can learn to pan for gold. Individuals looking for a good location should locate a spot along a stream where the water flow is strong enough to carry the silt away from the pan. The gold is heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the pan while dirt, silt and sand float away. With practice, individuals of any age can have success prospecting for gold.
Individuals who want to start looking for this precious mineral will need to assemble some basic equipment. The Gold Prospectors Association of America recognizes four methods of prospecting. Those methods are panning, the use of hand fed sluices, using a high-banker and dredging.
Many beginners limit their activity to panning because it is simple to do and requires minimal equipment. A pan separates lighter materials, including sand and small rocks, from the heavier gold nuggets and flakes. Pans are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Pans range from 10 inches to 17 inches in diameter. The most popular size is 14 inches. Larger pans will allow the prospector to work through more material faster but they are very heavy when filled with wet material.
Most pans are made of plastic or steel. Plastic is lightweight yet durable enough to last for years. The material will not react to a magnet, which makes it easier to remove black sand from the pan. Individuals who want an authentic experience choose to stick with a traditional metal pan.
Color may not seem like a big deal but it is when considering the prospector must be able to see gold pieces easily against the pan. Green, blue and black are the most common colors. Some individuals avoid black because it is difficult to see the black sand.
Beginners can buy a gold panning kit containing everything they need to get started. These kits include a pan and a snuffer bottle used for picking up gold. They also have a small vial for storing the gold. Deluxe kits often include a display cup and a small folding jeweler's loupe. Many kits include informational booklets with tips for the beginner prospector.
With the proper prospecting tools, anyone can learn to pan for gold. Individuals looking for a good location should locate a spot along a stream where the water flow is strong enough to carry the silt away from the pan. The gold is heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the pan while dirt, silt and sand float away. With practice, individuals of any age can have success prospecting for gold.
