Prospecting, a quest for valuable metal deposits is definitely not a simple process on the grounds since large stores were found quite a while in the past. Talented prospectors can find important precious metals deposits in a number of locations. The enormous mining organizations of the world are engaged in huge stores and the little stores are alluring for little excavators and maybe their interest for gold is the most important tool for exploring new deposits.
What is Gold Prospecting?
The process of looking for new gold deposits is known as gold prospecting. The prospector’s resources and the kind of deposit sought influence the methods used. Placer gold prospecting has evolved into a popular outdoor activity in some developed nations, despite its traditional commercial nature. Gold prospecting in Ontario has been done for many years and has a rich history.
Where Can Gold Be Found?
Similar to other metals, gold is more likely to be found in old rocks and in locations where the earth crust has undergone the extensive changes, such as elevations, tilting, folding, fissuring, faults, and volcanic action, which results in changes in the texture and composition of the rocks. Although gold is very widely dispersed throughout nature, it can be found in any geological formation, from the deposits that are still being formed to the oldest rocks in the planet.
How is Gold Prospecting Done?
There are various methods by which gold prospecting is done. We will look at two of the most common methods.
Photogeology
The study of photogeology plays a crucial role in the exploration of gold deposits. It provides comprehensive information regarding satellite and high altitude photography. Films or digital recordings of images are both methods of image recording. Black and white, true color, and infra-red films are all used. In various photographs, the red regions demonstrate live vegetation. This makes them helpful for finding outcrops in profoundly vegetated regions. This method is least impacted by haze, and is successful in overcast climate. It is likewise great for deciding dampness content of soils.
As a rule, photogeology includes the interpretation of an area’s geography from investigation of landforms, drainage and vegetation. Fracture and trace analysis, seep detection, fracture identification, and channel change study are the four main categories of information. Cross-sectional evidence suggests that the bedrock fractures are vertical or nearly vertical. Fractures can be filled with gold particles. Other significant data is called lithological planning, which includes the interpretation of surface features that helps in creating a more definite map.
Seismic Method
Seismic refraction and reflection methods are the only surface seismic techniques utilized in gold exploration. Most likely, the first one is used the most. Both methods use equipment that is very similar and guarantees the travel time of acoustic waves as they move through the subsurface. Waves’ travel times along an acoustic interface are measured using the seismic refraction method. The travel time of a wave that reflects off an interface is measured using the alternative method.
The subsurface material’s acoustic properties determine the information that needs to be gathered. Specific geological materials can be identified by their properties. Changes in lithology or stratigraphy, water saturation zones, and geologic structures are all revealed by seismic interpretation. These methods are frequently used to determine the depth and structure of hydrological and geological areas.
Tools Used for Gold Prospecting
Gold Pan
A prospector’s most significant device is his gold pan. The prospector separates the smallest gold particles from rock dust with this metal or plastic round flat pan. The prospector moves the pan in a circular motion beneath the water after immersing it in the river sand. Heavy gold particles are pushed to the bottom of the pan by their high density, while lighter rock particles are flushed back into the river by the circular motion. At the pan’s bottom, the finest gold particles are left behind. Gold prospecting in Ontario was done with gold pans in those days.
Washing Trough
The “washing trough” or “gold trough” is used in gold prospecting in accordance with the gold washing theory. The river’s mixture of gold and sand flows through a trough with ridges at its base here. In the water that is moving, this makes different current areas. The gold also settles on the trough’s bottom in front of the ridges here. Then the fine sand is washed over the edges and back into the stream by the running water.
Conclusion
Regardless of where you try your luck, whether it’s on the banks of the Rhine in Germany or the Klondike River in the United States: Gold prospecting requires a lot of endurance, patience, and the willingness to do a lot of heavy manual labor at the same time. Anyone who has moved a ton of river sand through a gold pan knows how long it takes and how hard it is to do. Gold prospecting is hard work but it can be adventurous too, it is up to you on how you see it.
