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ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FORUM => Topic started by: Lesgold on February 11, 2022, 03:08:24 pm

Title: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 11, 2022, 03:08:24 pm
Hi Folks,

Went out for a days detecting along a mountain stream. My mate got four nice little bits of gold and I found my usual supply of rubbish. I did get one nice signal in a narrow crevice under about 6 inches of water. We just didn?t have the gear to dig it out as the crevice was tightly packed with gravel. We tried for about 20 minutes but could not get the target out. We had to walk away. That was the hard bit. We will head back today with a bar and a scraper to attempt to remove it. Gold fever makes you do weird things. We will drive for a couple of hours and then walk for half an hour to uncover what will probably be a piece of rusty steel. Can?t wait to hit the road in an hours time. I reckon beekeepers and prospectors must be all mad lol.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 12, 2022, 04:51:32 am
Back home again after the day out. Filmed the adventure as we were in pretty country. Here?s what we ended up with.

Cheers

Les

https://youtu.be/AV2MzUG2GMQ
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on February 12, 2022, 01:20:33 pm
This is super cool, Les!  That stream looks very similar to the streams here in the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, although your vegetation and birds are different.  I know that people prospect around here in our streams, although I've never done it myself.  I have that exact same portable scale, and it always comes out of calibration for me too.  I actually just found the scale by the side of the road one day when I was walking the dog.  I'm pretty sure someone was using it for drugs and chucked it out their car window.  :shocked:   
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 12, 2022, 03:22:20 pm
Thanks Member. We had a couple of memorable days out in the bush. Good company and outstanding scenery were the standouts of the trip.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on February 12, 2022, 05:10:25 pm
That sounds fun Les! I am posting a short clip for your entertainment. I hope you find something similar as the nugget that Buggs found!


https://youtu.be/lXZk_wSzUKc
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 12, 2022, 05:13:34 pm
I think I could get excited about a Nugget like that.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on February 12, 2022, 05:25:21 pm
Actually I was excited about the nugget that you found! Not knowing the first thing about prospecting, I have wondered, "if there is gold in the creeks and such, shouldn't there also be gold found in the areas/soil bordering the creeks?" Might take a little digging? How deep in the soil/rock will your machine detect and identify gold?

Phillip






Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 12, 2022, 07:20:25 pm
Hi Phillip,

The old timers dug the banks around the creeks looking for gold that was deposited millions of years ago. Detecting for gold is just an enjoyable pastime (like beekeeping) The nugget that I found was about 12? down below the waterline. That would be close to the limit for my machines if that nugget was in the ground. Detectors can pick up a signal deeper than that but it depends on the size of th gold.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 20, 2022, 04:17:54 pm
We had to go back to the same spot on the weekend as my mate picked up another signal just below a rock bar. We could not see or recover what it was as it was again under water. This time a mask and snorkel was taken to the spot to help out. This is what we found.

Rock Bar Gold
https://youtu.be/D_zE5MsQUaM

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on February 21, 2022, 02:05:40 am
That is a beautiful location Les. Congrats on the find!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 15, 2022, 05:24:00 pm
After two weeks of solid rain, it was nice to get out into the bush for a play. You would need to have good eyesight to see what I came home with. The detector is outstanding on the really small gold.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 16, 2022, 05:40:18 am
No matter the size, you found gold! Good job Les!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on March 16, 2022, 04:21:30 pm
No matter the size, you found gold! Good job Les!

Phillip
I agree!  .117 grams of gold is better than no gold!  :grin: 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 16, 2022, 05:50:43 pm
With winter approaching, the time spent with the bees reduces so other activities take priority (for a couple of months) Its just nice to get out in the bush and have a play.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 02, 2022, 02:19:23 am
It?s been cold and wet for a few days. Had to get out and do something so I decided to melt down some of my small gold nuggets into a button of gold. (The things we do when we get bored)

Cheers

Les

https://youtu.be/Uj9_W1HNgHs
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 02, 2022, 02:40:00 am
It?s been cold and wet for a few days. Had to get out and do something so I decided to melt down some of my small gold nuggets into a button of gold. (The things we do when we get bored)

Cheers

Les

https://youtu.be/Uj9_W1HNgHs

I enjoyed the video Les. Thanks for posting it.

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 02, 2022, 09:33:39 am
Les,
I had no idea that you could use a potato as a crushable. If it is 98% gold, what is that in carats?
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 02, 2022, 09:52:35 am
Les,
I had no idea that you could use a potato as a crushable. If it is 98% gold, what is that in carats?
Jim Altmiller

I would like to know as well Jim. Not only did I not know that a potato could be used as a melting mold, neither did I know that borax is used as a flux.

It seems borax is a product of multi assets. Cleaning clothes, some aspects of taxidermy, and a melting flux. Wonder what else?


Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 02, 2022, 06:49:23 pm
Hi Jim. At 98% gold content, it would be just under 24 karats. (18karat gold has 75% gold content) The old timers in the gold rush years used potatoes for the same purpose. The starch burns to carbon and the rest of the potato acts as a good insulator. The underside of the potato does not heat up at all during the process. You are correct Phillip. Borax has a lot of uses apart from the obvious. When I was a kid, mum used to put borax around a large container that stored sugar. It would kill the ants. I will be placing borax around my citrus trees shortly. I think it contains the trace element boron which is lacking in my soils. Adding borax reduces the thickness of the skins of the fruit (especially lemons).
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 02, 2022, 07:04:58 pm
It?s been cold and wet for a few days. Had to get out and do something so I decided to melt down some of my small gold nuggets into a button of gold. (The things we do when we get bored)

Cheers

Les
Wow!  So neat!  I love watching these videos, Les.  I don't know anything about this sort of thing, prospecting, amateur metallurgy, whatever it is you call this hobby, and I'm finding it super interesting.  I'm not understanding what's going on with the borax.  What exactly is it doing to the gold?  How does it work? 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 02, 2022, 08:07:10 pm
Hi Member. The borax melts to a sort of liquid glass and acts as a flux. It dissolves impurities in the gold and therefore makes the gold quite clean. The molten gold nuggets can then join each other and form into one solid piece. The molten borax containing the impurities, floats on top of the gold and cracks when the button of gold is tipped into water. It can then be chipped away or dissolved in acid.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 02, 2022, 08:44:50 pm
Hi Member. The borax melts to a sort of liquid glass and acts as a flux. It dissolves impurities in the gold and therefore makes the gold quite clean. The molten gold nuggets can then join each other and form into one solid piece. The molten borax containing the impurities, floats on top of the gold and cracks when the button of gold is tipped into water. It can then be chipped away or dissolved in acid.
Oh, I understand now.  Thanks for explaining it.  This whole thing is just so interesting. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 02, 2022, 10:09:04 pm
Les,
If I melt down 14 carat gold, does the borax help remove some of the impurities and raise the percentage of gold?
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 02, 2022, 11:37:29 pm
Hi Jim. No it doesn?t. Borax is purely a flux or cleaning agent. The goLd that you are talking about would have some silver alloyed with it. This will make the gold a little harder and more suitable for jewellery. Pure gold is very soft.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 05, 2022, 09:35:02 pm
I folks.

I just melted down four of those little buttons of gold and made a 40 gram ingot. The gold could have been a little hotter and the mold a bit warmer but it turned out OK. It will look better once it has been cleaned in acid.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 05, 2022, 09:57:24 pm
I folks.

I just melted down four of those little buttons of gold and made a 40 gram ingot. The gold could have been a little hotter and the mold a bit warmer but it turned out OK. It will look better once it has been cleaned in acid.



Cheers

Les
It's beautiful!  Would you mind taking a picture of it with something so we can have a size reference for how big it is? 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 05, 2022, 10:22:00 pm

Hi Jim. No it doesn?t. Borax is purely a flux or cleaning agent. The goLd that you are talking about would have some silver alloyed with it. This will make the gold a little harder and more suitable for jewellery. Pure gold is very soft.

I do not know much about gold. This conversation has stimulated more interest. Considering the newer, bigger piece of 98% pure gold weighing 40 grams and 40 grams is close to one and one half ounces; How much silver by weight would need to be added to bring it to 14 carat jewelers gold? 

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 05, 2022, 10:56:45 pm
I do not know much about gold. This conversation has stimulated more interest. Considering the newer, bigger piece of 98% pure gold weighing 40 grams and 40 grams is close to one and one half ounces; How much silver by weight would need to be added to bring it to 14 carat jewelers gold? 

Phillip
According to my research and personal knowledge from purchasing and owning jewelry, most gold jewelry isn't only alloyed with silver.  14 karat gold is usually 58.5% gold and roughly 25% silver and 17% copper.  Other metals/different amounts of metals can also be added to make different colors of gold, like rose gold or white gold.  I'm struggling a little with the math, but those are your known values.  It's one of those percentage word problems that I was never good at in school.  :oops:  With the help of a white board, I think it'd be 17.2g/.61 oz. of silver, and 11.7g/.41 oz. of copper, but someone should probably check my work.  :wink:  I also did all that assuming the gold was pure, so it's not totally accurate even if my math is right, but it should give you some idea anyway.     

Jewelry is also commonly made from 18kt gold, which is 75% gold, 12.5% silver, and 12.5% copper.   
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 05, 2022, 11:07:46 pm
Thanks Reagan ✔️

My question sort of stemmed from your question of the size of Les new gold piece and I was wondering how much bigger it would be in size if it was converted into jewelers gold. (Back in the Eighties Gold nugget necklace jewelry was sort of in fashion). Mr Tee! lol

Your reply has shined more light of education, as I have wondered where rose colored gold came from.
As I said earlier I know little about gold. I really thought that rose color gold was found in nature! lol  :cheesy:

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 05, 2022, 11:11:17 pm
In 2019, one of my daughters got married. I gave them some of my gold nuggets so they could get wedding rings made. They took the gold nuggets to a jeweller who alloyed the gold with silver, copper a d palladium in the appropriate proportions to make 18 karat rings. My daughters ring was rose gold (a higher copper content) and my son in laws ring was white gold (palladium added).



I?ll post a pic of the gold ingot next to a coin later today. I just want to recast the gold and clean it up a bit in acid.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 05, 2022, 11:16:51 pm
Thanks Les and Reagan, for the educational comments. Les the use of your gold for their rings, I feel sure, hold a much more higher sentimental value for your kids rings than bought ones! Good job!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 06, 2022, 12:07:07 am
In 2019, one of my daughters got married. I gave them some of my gold nuggets so they could get wedding rings made. They took the gold nuggets to a jeweller who alloyed the gold with silver, copper a d palladium in the appropriate proportions to make 18 karat rings. My daughters ring was rose gold (a higher copper content) and my son in laws ring was white gold (palladium added).



I?ll post a pic of the gold ingot next to a coin later today. I just want to recast the gold and clean it up a bit in acid.

Cheers

Les
That is amazing!!  That twisted ring is so beautiful! 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 06, 2022, 02:05:31 am
Here is an updated photo of the ingot next to an Aussie 5 cent piece (just slightly larger than a dime)



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 06, 2022, 11:33:21 am
Here is an updated photo of the ingot next to an Aussie 5 cent piece (just slightly larger than a dime)



Cheers

Les
Wow, it's so shiny now!  This whole thing is just so ultra cool.  I know I keep saying that, but I just can't get over it.  :cool:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 18, 2022, 10:51:52 pm
Les is that dime solid silver? Our dimes use to be solid silver but now there is copper between the two surfaces.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 18, 2022, 11:02:26 pm
Les is that dime solid silver? Our dimes use to be solid silver but now there is copper between the two surfaces.
According to my sources (Wikipedia), Australian 5 cent pieces are 75% copper and 25% nickel, and they always have been (although they've only been in circulation since 1966).  They also have an echidna on the reverse side, which is super awesome.   


According to the same sources, US dimes were never solid silver, but were 90% silver and 10% copper, and are now 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 19, 2022, 12:37:07 am
Quote
Our dimes use to be solid silver but now there is copper between the two surfaces.

Quote
According to the same sources, US dimes were never solid silver, but were 90% silver and 10% copper, and are now 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Reagan, I was very careful to choose the word 'solid' as a description of what I perceived would be understood; A 'solid' piece no matter the actual percentage of silver, which was in fact a remarkable 90 percent in our old American dimes. A 'solid' piece from nine-tenths silver mix. The American 'silver dime' was considered and accepted to be 'a silver dime' during the time they were minted for circulation in America through 1964. Though these dimes were not 'pure' silver, nor were they '100' percent silver, they were a '90' 'percent' silver minted 'solid piece' from that 90 percent silver mixture.

Our silver dimes, 'were' that 'solid' piece of 90 percent silver though 1964, and accepted by all 'as silver coins', described by our government as being silver coins. In 1965 this forever changed, Copper was added to the 'center' of the dime between the two outer silver surfaces which was distinctly visible. After 1971 Im not sure that any silver is contained even in a dime. Wikipedia states there is no silver in United States half dollars after 1971 and I had no interest in digging futher. lol

Phillip



Wikipedia,
United States
Silver coin

"US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver."

"After silver was removed from US circulating coins the US Mint made special commemorative coins minted for sale to coin collectors and, starting in 1986, bullion coins primarily sold to investors. Both types, although legal tender, are not expected to circulate for commerce."

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 19, 2022, 12:49:59 am
Considering the above, I will rephrase the question;
Les I am 'still' curious. Are your Australian dimes made of a 'solid' piece of mostly silver, any silver? Or do they have copper visibly seen form the edge with copper in the middle?  :wink:
 lol  :grin:

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 19, 2022, 04:23:31 am
Hi guys. The coins are just an alloy of copper and nickel. Some of our earlier coins were either copper or contained a high silver content. Obviously cost prevents this from occurring with modern coils.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 19, 2022, 04:33:26 am
Here?s a pic of a one cent piece that I found on the beach this afternoon with a detector. Pretty ?toasty? with nothing much left.  These coins are no longer in circulation. The first of these coins was made in 1966. Just a bit of fun late in the afternoon.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 19, 2022, 11:46:25 am
Quote
Our dimes use to be solid silver but now there is copper between the two surfaces.

Quote
According to the same sources, US dimes were never solid silver, but were 90% silver and 10% copper, and are now 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Reagan, I was very careful to choose the word 'solid' as a description of what I perceived would be understood; A 'solid' piece no matter the actual percentage of silver, which was in fact a remarkable 90 percent in our old American dimes. A 'solid' piece from nine-tenths silver mix. The American 'silver dime' was considered and accepted to be 'a silver dime' during the time they were minted for circulation in America through 1964. Though these dimes were not 'pure' silver, nor were they '100' percent silver, they were a '90' 'percent' silver minted 'solid piece' from that 90 percent silver mixture.

Our silver dimes, 'were' that 'solid' piece of 90 percent silver though 1964, and accepted by all 'as silver coins', described by our government as being silver coins. In 1965 this forever changed, Copper was added to the 'center' of the dime between the two outer silver surfaces which was distinctly visible. After 1971 Im not sure that any silver is contained even in a dime. Wikipedia states there is no silver in United States half dollars after 1971 and I had no interest in digging futher. lol

Phillip



Wikipedia,
United States
Silver coin

"US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver."

"After silver was removed from US circulating coins the US Mint made special commemorative coins minted for sale to coin collectors and, starting in 1986, bullion coins primarily sold to investors. Both types, although legal tender, are not expected to circulate for commerce."
Oh, I didn't know that "solid" and "pure" were not interchangeable when discussing precious metals.  People often (incorrectly) use the terms interchangeably.  That's good to know. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 19, 2022, 01:44:02 pm

sol?id

/ˈs?ləd/
 Learn to pronounce
See definitions in:
All
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adjective
1.
firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid.


pure
/pyo͝or/
 Learn to pronounce
See definitions in:
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adjective
not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 19, 2022, 11:13:14 pm
Here?s a pic of a one cent piece that I found on the beach this afternoon with a detector. Pretty ?toasty? with nothing much left.  These coins are no longer in circulation. The first of these coins was made in 1966. Just a bit of fun late in the afternoon.



Cheers

Les

Les I am enjoying your updates of your gold findings and prospecting.

What are your old Australian one cent pieces made of?

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 19, 2022, 11:35:02 pm
Hi Phillip. 1 and 2 cent coins were 97% copper. They came into circulation in 1966 and ceased to be used as currency in 1992. I went for a beach detecting session this morning to a quiet location and found some of these coins. Will post a pic when I clean them up in a mild acid solution. The copper coins are eaten away but a few silvers may come up OK. Just a bit of fun for an hour on a quiet local beach.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 20, 2022, 06:15:51 pm
Yesterdays finds on a quiet beach.



Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 20, 2022, 06:50:33 pm
Yesterdays finds on a quiet beach.




That's so cool!  What's that spherical thing in the middle?  Also, my mom wants to know: What is the best thing you've ever found?  Either the most interesting thing, or something with great monetary value. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 20, 2022, 06:52:40 pm
Les you found a Hot Spot!  👍🏻
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 21, 2022, 12:42:17 am
Hi guys. The spherical band is actually a copper band that a lot of old timers wear as they think the copper is good for arthritis. I haven?t found much of value as I don?t do this very often. I can?t get out into the bush at the moment as the ground is very wet. I just did some beach detecting for a bit of fun with my daughter and the grandkids over Easter. I went out again this morning and had some more fun. I found enough to buy a cup of coffee. (It?s just the thrill of the hunt) Next time I?m out, I?ll take some shots of the beach that I?m detecting.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 21, 2022, 12:44:32 am
Quote
Hi guys. The spherical band is actually a copper band that a lot of old timers wear as they think the copper is good for arthritis.

When I was small we had an old country store owner which wore a copper band for the same reason.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 21, 2022, 01:25:41 am
I often wonder if there was anything to it or was it just a placebo effect?
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 21, 2022, 06:14:30 am
Good Question Les. I wonder too...

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 21, 2022, 11:09:40 am
I often wonder if there was anything to it or was it just a placebo effect?
Good Question Les. I wonder too...

Phillip
I don't believe science has ever established any link between arthritis relief and copper bands. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 21, 2022, 04:07:10 pm
I often wonder if there was anything to it or was it just a placebo effect?
Good Question Les. I wonder too...

Phillip
I don't believe science has ever established any link between arthritis relief and copper bands.

Thanks Reagan, Not intended to dispute you but add more information.  I don't believe science has established their is not a link between arthritis and copper bands either? Actually (Maybe) more so than not?

Since copper bands and bracelets have been in use for many many years and handed down as help from generation to generation world wide, I chose to dig a little deeper. It seems science does not totally agree on this matter. As we know Copper as well as Zinc are added to some modern vitamins as well as varying minerals for reasons established as needed for the betterment of the human body. (what these needs are, I confess I do not know lol)  I suppose we really do not know for sure either way concerning copper bands used as a gateway through the skin, entering our body for the aid of arthritis. If we look at both sides of the science open mindedly, we will find scientific study has something positive to offer about this matter.


For example..


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/961545/
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 21, 2022, 07:24:36 pm
My son Wesley used to wear them. He read it would reduce his pain. It worked for a couple of days, physically, and it then it didn?t help. He doesn?t wear them anymore.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 21, 2022, 07:30:47 pm
My son Wesley used to wear them. He read it would reduce his pain. It worked for a couple of days, physically, and it then it didn?t help. He doesn?t wear them anymore.
Jim Altmiller

Strike One per Beemaster our family experience...    :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 21, 2022, 07:33:22 pm
Thanks Reagan, Not intended to dispute you but add more information.  I don't believe science has established their is not a link between arthritis and copper bands either? Actually (Maybe) more so than not?

Since copper bands and bracelets have been in use for many many years and handed down as help from generation to generation world wide, I chose to dig a little deeper. It seems science does not totally agree on this matter. As we know Copper as well as Zinc are added to some modern vitamins as well as varying minerals for reasons established as needed for the betterment of the human body. (what these needs are, I confess I do not know lol)  I suppose we really do not know for sure either way concerning copper bands used as a gateway through the skin, entering our body for the aid of arthritis. If we look at both sides of the science open mindedly, we will find scientific study has something positive to offer about this matter.


For example..


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/961545/
That's an interesting find, Phillip, but I did notice that study is from 1976, and more recent studies have failed to generate similar results.  If it does have benefits for some people, I'd guess it to be placebo effect, or perhaps it only benefits people with certain skin chemistry, or something like that. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 21, 2022, 08:44:30 pm
Quote
I'd guess it to be placebo effect, or perhaps it only benefits people with certain skin chemistry, or something like that.


The study did specify that some in the study was given placebo bracelets and others copper. Ones given the real copper bracelets were the benefactors of progress.

The study also pointed out sweat as being a factor in results shown. Folks seemed to be more activate back in the 1970s and sweating was common. lol  But really, who knows? 🤷‍♂️ By your report it does not look good for copper.😊

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 22, 2022, 02:51:21 pm
Les when I first started watching this fellow Jeff Williams, his channel was called old ghost towns or something similar. He would hunt for gold and come up with flakes similar to yours. But he has gradually evolved  to this place where he is actually mining. It has been an interesting journey watching him through the past few years and see his success as shown in this video. He is a real cut up and a hoot! Maybe you will enjoy the video and the results made.

Phillip

https://youtu.be/JtDIzXSd4EU
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 22, 2022, 06:22:23 pm
I?ve watched a few of his clips. He?s a bit of a character who finds some nice gold.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 24, 2022, 01:04:03 am
Went to a quiet beach yesterday and did quite well. No older coins but quite a good haul of loose change. Snagged heaps of fishing sinkers as well. I will Melt them down and cast deep water sinkers for my fishing trips.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 24, 2022, 01:09:59 am
Went out to another beach this morning for a bit of a detect. Not one of the pretty beaches but it still looks quiet good.





Heaps of fishing sinkers and only a few coins. Was pleased to pick up a 1963 penny. (The larger one on the left)



I?m quite fortunate to have over 20 beaches within a 20 minute drive from home.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 24, 2022, 12:49:31 pm
I?m quite fortunate to have over 20 beaches within a 20 minute drive from home.
I bet that is amazing!  I haven't been to the beach since 2011.  Sometimes I miss it. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 26, 2022, 07:42:16 pm
Just finished making a coin tumbler to clean up dirty coins. Used an old printer that I was about to throw out. The tumbler container was made from some PVC water fittings. It works a treat.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 26, 2022, 08:07:35 pm
Just finished making a coin tumbler to clean up dirty coins. Used an old printer that I was about to throw out. The tumbler container was made from some PVC water fittings. It works a treat.


That's amazing!  Let's see some before and after.   
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 27, 2022, 07:34:06 pm
Here?s a few spendable coins that I found over the past two days. I?ll pop them in the tumbler with some gravel, water and a bit of soap to clean off some of the worst of the rubbish.



Will show progress photos later as they clean up.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 27, 2022, 10:15:31 pm
Tumbled the coins for half an hour to clean most of the dirt off. Kept two of the coins out of the tumbler as they were older pre decimal coins. This is how they currently look.



A little bit cleaner but still badly stained. They will now go back into the tumbler with gravel, water, detergent, vinegar, salt and a little CLR. They should take about an hour to clean up.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 28, 2022, 01:21:59 am
Im interested in seeing them when they come out.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 28, 2022, 03:56:35 am
The end result after an hour.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 28, 2022, 07:17:02 am
Wow! Nice!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on April 28, 2022, 10:38:18 am
That's incredible! 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 04, 2022, 02:14:01 am
Went out for a play on the beach this morning. Walked 2km for some coins, a junk ring and a gold pendant. It was a beautiful day in the sun.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 04, 2022, 03:02:56 am
Les you are really good at finding things. What metal detector setup do you have (and or) prefer?

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 04, 2022, 04:06:14 am
Hi Phillip.

For the relic/ coin hunting I use a Minelab Equinox 800. If I?m looking for gold I use Minelab gear as well. (GPZ 7000, GPX 6000 and an SDC 2300) It?s a bit like beekeeping in that it?s an addictive hobby. Just did a bit of research on a foreign coin that I found today. It actually comes from Peru. It?s amazing what you can find when you are out detecting.



Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 04, 2022, 04:15:15 am
Thanks Les for the information. It is amazing to me that you actually found a coin form Peru in Australia! Good find! Copper? 👍🏻

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 04, 2022, 05:10:13 am
Not sure. May have to get some advice on how to clean it up. I think it may be a silver/ nickel type of coin.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 04, 2022, 07:43:16 am
Try cleaning it with salt and vinegar. If it cleans up it is copper. Use a lot of salt and just enough vinegar to wet it.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 04, 2022, 05:47:58 pm
Thanks Jim.

I currently use salt and vinegar on spendable coins but am not sure if I should use an acidic solution on an unknown coin.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 14, 2022, 04:17:40 am
Went out for a swing this afternoon for a few hours. Came home with some coffee money and a nice little silver ring.





This is an example of the silly things I do for a bit of fun.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 14, 2022, 08:17:10 am
Do you have any idea of what type of stone is in it?
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 14, 2022, 06:08:53 pm
Hi Jim,

That was the same question my wife asked me this morning. My reply was a shrug of the shoulders. I would like to know the answer to that myself. Hopefully there could be someone out there who could help with that. I am guessing that it is a cheap stone as it is quite large. I cleaned the ring last night. Placed it in a small container lined with aluminium foil, placed the ring on the foil followed by some carb soda and boiling water. Left it to soak for about 10 minutes and pulled out the ring. It was nice and clean after a rinse and wipe over with a tissue. Will post a photo in a few minutes.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 14, 2022, 06:17:08 pm
Here it is.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on May 14, 2022, 07:17:50 pm
Here it is.


So shiny! :cool:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 19, 2022, 12:27:37 am
Les even if the stone is not real, It looks good. Congratulation on the find. I would expect rings are a prize for metal detector folks as yourself! You did it. Now my I encourage you to go and find another!  :grin:

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 19, 2022, 07:35:23 pm
Hi Phillip,

In the last month I have been lucky enough to find 3 gold rings and one gold pendant as well. Just looking for the people who may have lost it so that it can be returned. No luck as yet.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 23, 2022, 06:43:36 pm
Went away for a few days in the caravan and stayed on the coast. Had a bit of fun detecting a beach in the rain. Here?s the results of a couple of sessions.



Day one included this coin which many of you would recognise



Day two was also a good day out.



An interesting coin was also found.



It is a 2 Toea coin from Papua New Guinea. I?ve never seen one before.  Back home again now and just waiting for things to dry out before getting back into the bees.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 23, 2022, 07:05:00 pm
Awesome Les!

What is the date on the American Quarter?


Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 23, 2022, 11:16:48 pm
1967
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 23, 2022, 11:38:03 pm
I was hoping 1964 or previous. (Silver) But, still a good find!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 24, 2022, 01:12:18 am
Had a interesting morning on the beach. Not much was  found but I was lucky enough to almost step onto a 7 foot diamond python sunning itself on the sand. Wish I had my phone with me to snap a shot. About 20 minutes later I was looking at a storm brewing out to sea. A water spout formed as I was watching. Raced back to the car to grab the phone but it had diminished considerably before I could take the shot.



It died and reformed about 15 minutes later. What an amazing thing to see.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 24, 2022, 01:25:07 am
Wow! Do you have water spouts there often Les? Nice picture by the way. Clouds in the background with the water spout, beautiful waves, greenery scenery, and clean Ocean water.... Beautiful spot with the contrasting scenery! This place would make a naturally good set up for professional pictures in my opinion. Except for the snakes! lol

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on May 24, 2022, 01:55:06 am
Hi Phillip.

Haven?t seen a water spout for quite a few years. They do occur from time to time. Yes, it is a beautiful part of the coastline. Haven?t been to this beach in years. Pretty lucky to have this type of country close to home.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on May 24, 2022, 11:08:31 am
Day one included this coin which many of you would recognise


Mr. Washington!!  What are you doing on the other side of the world?!  :grin:

Had a interesting morning on the beach. Not much was  found but I was lucky enough to almost step onto a 7 foot diamond python sunning itself on the sand. Wish I had my phone with me to snap a shot. About 20 minutes later I was looking at a storm brewing out to sea. A water spout formed as I was watching. Raced back to the car to grab the phone but it had diminished considerably before I could take the shot.



It died and reformed about 15 minutes later. What an amazing thing to see.
Wow!  Amazing!  I guess there are many different kinds of treasures to be found at the beach.   :happy:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on May 24, 2022, 11:17:53 am
Quote
Mr. Washington!!  What are you doing on the other side of the world?!  :grin:

Good question!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 03, 2022, 04:13:42 am
Went away for a few weeks towing the caravan. Stopped for 7 days in a location that was once mined for small gold. Was lucky enough to find a few pieces with the detector. This is what I found on the first day.



The sunsets in the dry country are spectacular. Sitting outside with a glass of red wine as the sun goes down  is a tough job but some one has to do it.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 03, 2022, 06:04:50 am
Nice. How much did it weigh?
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 03, 2022, 10:10:30 am
Hi Jim,

Not much at all. I didn?t have scales with me. I would expect those little pieces would be less than one gram.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on July 03, 2022, 12:39:15 pm
Went away for a few weeks towing the caravan. Stopped for 7 days in a location that was once mined for small gold. Was lucky enough to find a few pieces with the detector. This is what I found on the first day.



The sunsets in the dry country are spectacular. Sitting outside with a glass of red wine as the sun goes down  is a tough job but some one has to do it.



Cheers

Les
Sounds like a great time!  That is an amazing sunset!  :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 04, 2022, 02:53:39 am
Yes it was. Most afternoons produced beautiful sunsets. I put together a bit of a clip showing what I was chasing and the country that was being prospected. Hope you enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/ReDf9JKrr4w

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on July 04, 2022, 02:49:26 pm
Great video!  That's amazing country! 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 16, 2022, 11:18:16 pm
Back on the beach again. Was lucky enough to find an old silver florin that was caught in a rock crevice. It?s a bit worn (as you would expect) as it has been in the water for a long time. It?s always good to find old coins.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on July 16, 2022, 11:23:58 pm
Wow! Great find Les!!  For a 1947 coin, the wear looks minimal to me! It being silver, what is the value (though irrelevant) if you don't mind me asking?

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 17, 2022, 01:17:16 am
Not a lot of value Phillip. This particular coin will have a 50% silver content.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 19, 2022, 03:50:11 am
Back out chasing a bit of gold close to home. The nuggets seem to be shrinking in size.



Even so, it was still a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 31, 2022, 08:44:59 am
It was a cold, overcast day today which meant the bees were safe for 24 hours. Decided to grab the detector and see if I could find a few little bits of gold.

https://youtu.be/xBMLRlR1G2A

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 31, 2022, 10:08:06 am
Thanks for posting that video. I like the way you test the scoop on the 6000. Looks like it makes it much faster to find the gold.
I noticed you often times throw away dirt without checking it when you detected a tone in the other pile. I just wonder if there may bee two pieces of gold in the same spot that could bee missed.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on July 31, 2022, 05:59:55 pm
Hi Jim,

Occasionally, there maybe more than one nugget that is removed from a hole. The detector is always run over the spot again after the hole is back filled just to make sure.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 31, 2022, 07:05:41 pm
😊 Thanks.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Bill Murray on July 31, 2022, 07:54:26 pm
I sure do wish I would have known all this when we were doing our alaska excursions I might have been able to recover some of the fuel cost running through canada.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 03, 2022, 07:25:59 pm
It was a windy day yesterday so I wasn?t able to rob any honey from the bees. Went out into the bush instead for a play with the detector. I think there is more money in selling honey than finding gold lol. Had a lot of fun anyway.



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 09, 2022, 06:30:45 pm
Another day out for just a few more little pieces. The bigger one are hiding at the moment.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 13, 2022, 05:26:42 pm
Went for a swing to a spot that I?ve never detected before. The bush was really overgrown but a couple of small pieces still emerged.



At least the size is increasing.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on August 14, 2022, 01:01:02 am
Les sooner or later you are going to come up on a lunker! In the mean time I bet you are having fun!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 14, 2022, 06:11:48 pm
Thanks Phillip. It?s always amazing to be out in the bush. It?s a good hobby that makes the cooler winter months a time to look forward to.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 21, 2022, 11:05:58 pm
Went out for another play a couple of days ago. The weather is starting to warm up and the gold is growing just a little lol.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on August 27, 2022, 06:47:27 am
Went out for another play a couple of days ago. The weather is starting to warm up and the gold is growing just a little lol.



Les your finds should be adding up!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on September 10, 2022, 08:39:32 pm
Back out on the beach again after some rough seas. Went to a spot that produced in the past and was surprised as to how the movement of sand and water allowed a build up of goodies for me to find.






The last two were predecimal coins. Can?t read the date on the last one. Will see if I can clean it up in some lemon juice.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on September 22, 2022, 04:54:19 am
Hi folks,

Took the detector out to a location that has been worked well by prospectors over the years. Managed to uncover a little bit of the yellow stuff to top off a good morning out. Hope you enjoy the clip.

Cheers

Les

https://youtu.be/00t60VaYvRo
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 12, 2022, 01:18:50 am
Hi Folks,

Went out for a detect in the bush two days ago. Came back with one small piece locked in a piece of rock. Can you see it?

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on October 12, 2022, 01:56:02 am
Yes I can. Isn't there two?

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 12, 2022, 02:16:07 am
No unfortunately. Just the one.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 19, 2022, 06:25:27 pm
Went out for another play in the forest. Worked quite hard find a few small pieces. The gold is shrinking in size again.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on October 19, 2022, 08:02:43 pm
Les,
I?m waiting to see you come home with a large nugget. 😊
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on October 19, 2022, 08:14:16 pm
Les,
I?m waiting to see you come home with a large nugget. 😊
Jim Altmiller

It is possible! The old saying is "Gold is where you find it".  If he does he might need to change his name form Lesgold to Moregold..  :grin:
I enjoy reading and viewing the pictures of your finds as well as the beautiful scenery you sometime display.  I hope you find the bonanza Les!

Phillip




Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on October 19, 2022, 08:41:45 pm
Les,
I?m waiting to see you come home with a large nugget. 😊
Jim Altmiller

It is possible! The old saying is "Gold is where you find it".  If he does he might need to change his name form Lesgold to Moregold..  :grin:
I hope you find the bonanza Les!

Phillip
:cheesy:  That reminds me of an old song I like. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFarJc8aGSE

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 19, 2022, 09:40:25 pm
Always looking to find ?more gold? This is another hobby that is just as addictive as beekeeping.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on October 19, 2022, 09:48:18 pm
I always look forward to reading your gold posting. Very interesting.

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 03, 2022, 06:29:24 am
Went out for a detect around some old workings with a mate this afternoon. Found most of these pieces in an old classifying pile. (Where the soil and gravel was run through a sieve to remove the rocks and larger pieces of gravel). Most pieces of gold were attached to some of the conglomerate gravel and were missed by the old timer miners.



Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 06, 2022, 09:41:31 pm
Went out for a swing with the detector a couple of days ago. We were in a deep gully that was worked by the old timers. Got a screaming signal on a vertical gravel wall. When I looked to see where I could start digging, I spotted the piece on the surface. This is what I saw.

Just picked it out with my fingers. It was beautiful and yellow in colour. Unfortunately, it was very small.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 06, 2022, 09:57:14 pm
That is awesome! How big is is next to a quarter? (What weight) If there was gold in my area I would be searching too!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 06, 2022, 11:05:49 pm
Hi Phillip. It was pretty small. Just like the rest of the pieces that I?ve been finding lately.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 08, 2022, 04:17:14 pm
Yesterday was another adventure out in the bush with a mate. We had a good day out with 16 small pieces making it to the rattle jars.  Not big but still heaps of fun with some exercise and a good walk helping to make the day.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on November 08, 2022, 08:19:36 pm
Les,
With all of the pieces that you have found, are you close to an ounce yet.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 09, 2022, 04:10:37 am
No where near that Jim. That little collection on the coin weighed about .84 grams. Still a long way to go to get 31 and a bit grams.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 11, 2022, 12:03:24 am
Another good fun day out prospecting. Very small pieces but a heap of fun.



I need to fertilise this gold so that it can grow a bit.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 11, 2022, 12:47:49 am
Gold is where you and how you find it; It's gold and you found it! 


Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on November 13, 2022, 01:01:38 pm
Wow.  We do a bit of panning on a couple of pieces of property and in the rivers in CA close to my parents, but get mostly flour gold.  I have never found anything other than coins and trash with the metal detector.  Your pics might have lit the fire again though   :cheesy:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 13, 2022, 08:57:53 pm
Go for it Kathyp. Once you have the gold fever, it never leaves you.

Here is a bit of a clip I put together on my day out in the bush. I hope you enjoy it.

Cheers

Les

https://youtu.be/4CpXe1T6hxY
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on November 13, 2022, 11:04:38 pm
That's very cool.  Thanks.  I don't have a metal detector that is that fancy, so my gold would have to be bigger.  I think I have better luck in the rivers or with the dirt we collect and bring home to fool with.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 19, 2022, 04:37:52 pm
A few hours out in the bush yesterday doing some research for a YouTube clip. Couldn?t help myself. Had to dig a bit of gold.

Tomorrow I?ll be hopefully filming a comparison video on a couple of different coils that we use on the detector.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 19, 2022, 04:46:06 pm
Thanks Les you have my attention. I Look forward to the coil comparison video.

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 21, 2022, 05:09:21 am
Went out to do some filming today with a mate. We had a ball digging the small pieces of gold. Here?s my share of the finds.


Wish every day was like today. Should be able to post the video in a day or so.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 21, 2022, 09:08:03 pm
Here is the clip that my mate and I put together on yesterdays outing.
https://youtu.be/s0VeSh0h-10
Hope you enjoy it.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on November 23, 2022, 05:50:25 pm
Thanks for the video.  I subscribed to your channel so that I can watch it and other things later.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 23, 2022, 11:19:54 pm
Thanks Kathyp.

I?ve got a few beekeeping videos on my channel that may also interest you.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 23, 2022, 11:56:15 pm
Les both coils do a good job. Wonder how much gold is below ground? Y?all may sitting on a gold mine! Literally! There may be tons just waiting to be had! 😊😊

Whoops, I might have just experienced a bit of gold fever!  :shocked: :grin:

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 24, 2022, 12:16:19 am
You are right Phillip. Both coils do work well. There is still a lot of gold in the areas that I prospect. Unfortunately it is 30 to 40 feet below ground level. You could have a lot of fun with a big excavator. (We are all allowed to dream) Just got back from a morning out in the bush. I'll post a pick of the small pieces in a few minutes.

Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 24, 2022, 01:19:42 am
Todays little bits come from the same area that the video clip was shot a couple of days ago



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 24, 2022, 01:45:43 am
Every little bit adds up!

Todays little bits come from the same area that the video clip was shot a couple of days ago



Cheers

Les
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 24, 2022, 01:48:05 am
You are right Phillip. Both coils do work well. There is still a lot of gold in the areas that I prospect. Unfortunately it is 30 to 40 feet below ground level. You could have a lot of fun with a big excavator. (We are all allowed to dream) Just got back from a morning out in the bush. I'll post a pick of the small pieces in a few minutes.

Cheers

Les

 :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 25, 2022, 03:19:55 pm
Worked hard in overgrown scrub for a few pieces. It was good to come home with something in the rattle jar.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Skeggley on November 25, 2022, 11:25:46 pm
Les, I already have enough hobbies mate will you please stop nudging me? :wink:

And showing your little treasures on a lyrebird gives me a smile every time.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 26, 2022, 10:20:57 am
I have enough hobbies too Skeggley, but his 'nudging' makes me want to give it a go,
and there is no gold known to be had in my area! :wink:  lol

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 26, 2022, 04:04:07 pm
If that?s the case, here?s a few more from yesterday to get the juices flowing.



Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on December 01, 2022, 05:53:32 pm
Struggled to find much on my last outing. The bush was really overgrown in this area. Still, it all adds up.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on January 31, 2023, 06:21:01 am
It?s been a while but I finally got the OK to get on with things after my injury. It was great to get out and about for a couple of hours. Was pleasantly surprised when a few small bits found their way to the rattle jar.

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 01, 2023, 04:56:58 am
The thirst for gold continues. Had to get back out today.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 14, 2023, 01:50:19 am
Decided to take some of the small gold that I?ve been finding and melt it down into a button. Just over 10 grams of gold was cleaned, dried and weighed. I wanted a button that would end up weighing 10 grams after the melt.

The gold was placed into a hollowed out potato with some borax to act as a flux.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 14, 2023, 01:55:03 am
The gold was then heated with an oxy until the molten button formed.

The hot button was then dropped into cold water. The glassy flux shattered and a solid button of gold was produced.

The weight of the gold button was 10.253 grams. The losses were due to impurities in the nuggets and minute pieces of gold being trapped within the glassy flux. I was actually expecting the losses to be a bit greater than that.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: NigelP on February 14, 2023, 04:27:23 am
Wow....worth about $600 US dollars..... a nice hobby.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on February 14, 2023, 05:37:41 am
Wow....worth about $600 US dollars..... a nice hobby.

Thumbs up Les!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on February 14, 2023, 12:42:36 pm
That's amazing, Les!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 15, 2023, 04:45:13 pm
Thanks Reagan. It was a bit of fun one afternoon when I had nothing better to do. I?ll put this aside so that it can be made into jewellery in the future.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 08, 2023, 05:51:21 pm
Another day out in the bush with a mate. After detecting for most of the day and walking for hours, we ended up finding four pieces of gold within four steps of the car.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: salvo on April 05, 2023, 12:05:52 pm
Hi Folks,

Anybody posted this here yet?

A gold digger from Australia recently hit gold (no pun intended) when his budget metal detector found a rock weighing 4.6kg, which had a gold valuation of A$240,000 ($162k USD). The man- who didn't want to be named for obvious reasons- made this incredible discovery in the goldfields of Victoria.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/amateur-gold-digger-finds-massive-nugget-worth-over-160-000/ar-AA19trwN?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=cec8b5941b284c2bbb68a9d491c107ed&ei=12

Sal
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 05, 2023, 12:15:14 pm
:shocked:  First I've heard of it Sal. Good post and congratulation to the fellow who found it!  :wink: And His Wife
Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 11, 2023, 08:43:24 am
Hi Folks,

Anybody posted this here yet?

A gold digger from Australia recently hit gold (no pun intended) when his budget metal detector found a rock weighing 4.6kg, which had a gold valuation of A$240,000 ($162k USD). The man- who didn't want to be named for obvious reasons- made this incredible discovery in the goldfields of Victoria.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/amateur-gold-digger-finds-massive-nugget-worth-over-160-000/ar-AA19trwN?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=cec8b5941b284c2bbb68a9d491c107ed&ei=12

Sal

To Lesgold,
 I can not think of anyone I would like to see, find such a thing as you Les!  Who knows, keep looking and perhaps the same good thing, or even something better will happen for you!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: salvo on April 11, 2023, 02:52:28 pm
Hey Ben.

I think it was Les who found that nugget!

He's layin' low. Keepin' the site secret.

Sal
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 11, 2023, 06:48:18 pm
Hey Ben.

I think it was Les who found that nugget!

He's layin' low. Keepin' the site secret.

Sal

Stranger things have happened! You can never tell! 😁
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 16, 2023, 05:55:15 pm
Would have been nice but my gold has been limited to the small pieces left behind by others. Had a pleasant day out about a week ago and added to my small scrap pile.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: salvo on April 16, 2023, 07:59:17 pm
Hi Les,

What you found beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, and you had a good day to boot!

Sal
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on April 16, 2023, 10:05:21 pm
No complaints here Sal. Beekeeping and prospecting are a golden combination.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on April 17, 2023, 01:28:18 am
Good find Les.. I enjoy viewing your finds and hearing of the adventures. :-)

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on June 12, 2023, 11:28:11 pm
It?s been a while since I?ve been out for a play with the detector. Our trip took us to Marble Bar in Western Australia which was an old mining town. Got the machine cranked up yesterday and was lucky enough to find a few pieces. Today I focussed on an area that contained a few quartz outcrops. You may be able to see it in the first photo. The area was worked thoroughly by the old times and recently by people with detectors. I was lucky enough to have some fun and find a few pieces for my effort. Would have liked to have explored the area in more detail but the trip must continue.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on June 13, 2023, 06:31:38 am
Mabye you should change your handle from "lesgold" to "morgold"...
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 25, 2023, 03:04:10 am
Needed a break from weeding gardens and preparing honey stuff for the markets so a mate and I went bush for the morning. It?s good to still be able to find a bit of gold close to home.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on August 25, 2023, 12:07:38 pm
Next month I'm going up in the mountains to a known gold area.  I hope to do a bit of panning.  I really hope to be able to post pictures like yours!!   :grin:

What do you do with your bits?  Are they worth selling or do you do it just for fun?
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on August 25, 2023, 03:25:36 pm
Good luck Kathy. Make sure that you post what you find. Panning is a lot of fun (and hard work) I have sold some gold in the past but I keep most of it as a long term investment. As an example, the gold on the coin in that last photo has a value of around $100 Australian.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on August 25, 2023, 04:41:54 pm
Adds up...
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on September 24, 2023, 03:49:36 am
My detecting buddy and I hit a spot where the old timers mined over a hundred years ago. We worked hard for quite a few pieces of junk and a few little pickers. The larger one was hidden in a small rock. It was obvious why it was missed in the past. A bit of a soak in acid over night and the nugget started to reveal its beautiful shine.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on September 24, 2023, 10:55:35 am
Ok, officially jealous.  I went panning while in CA and spent so much time in the river my feet were numb.  I found ONE flake.   :grin:

Granted, I took the easy route to the river and that area was probably well panned out.  People had dug up the dry bank so I went out into the river for the big rocks hoping others had not been so bold (stupid).

ONE FLAKE after the winter they had. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on September 24, 2023, 11:29:00 am
It's amazing how little gold was left behind in the old days by the old timers, even though they did not have the modern metal detecting equipment and devices of today. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on September 24, 2023, 11:37:18 am
Quoting reply #4
That sounds fun Les! I am posting a short clip for your entertainment. I hope you find something similar as the nugget that Buggs found!


https://youtu.be/lXZk_wSzUKc

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on September 24, 2023, 11:40:01 am
Ok, officially jealous.  I went panning while in CA and spent so much time in the river my feet were numb.  I found ONE flake.   :grin:

Granted, I took the easy route to the river and that area was probably well panned out.  People had dug up the dry bank so I went out into the river for the big rocks hoping others had not been so bold (stupid).

ONE FLAKE after the winter they had.

Well at least you gave it a try kathy.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on September 24, 2023, 05:47:37 pm
Don?t give up Kathy. Gold will eventually turn up if you put in the time. At least you got one flake. I still remember the first piece that I found in a pan. From that point on I was hooked. We are now finding that the gold is harder to find and the pieces are getting smaller. The best part about the hobby is the bush itself. A good walk, some great company and the very odd small piece of gold makes for a removable day out.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on September 24, 2023, 07:01:04 pm
Quote
Don?t give up Kathy. Gold will eventually turn up if you put in the time.

I won't.  I grew up in gold country but never appreciated it.  Now I have two properties that are in areas with potential so it's a fun thing to do.  You are correct that the adventure is as worthwhile as the finding!  Although...I need to find my husbands phone and see what pictures he took of me scrounging around in the river  :cheesy:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on September 25, 2023, 06:37:11 am
I had not appreciated what the gold rush in California (and many others) were actually like until I bought my current house and in the process of researching it's history found the diary of the builder/owner in the Library of Congress.  I didn't realize that there was gold everywhere around where they were prospecting and it was more a matter of effort than luck.  They could stake a claim and make between $100 and $200 a day on most any claim until it petered out.  You just had to dig the ditches to get the water there to sluice it and then dig and process the dirt.  The guy who built my house was from Vermont and he and his friends sailed down to the isthmus of Panama and walked across and took a boat up to San Francisco.  They were a bunch of good farm kids and he was 21 and I assume his friends were also in that ballpark.  They worked hard and saved their money for six years as well as investing in some of the ditch companies and then went home (there was a train across Panama by then).  Not much of a life during that time, but they had a good stake and he and his best friend moved to Nebraska and bought land, panted orchards, opened a bank etc.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on September 25, 2023, 07:55:14 am

That is interesting...
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on September 25, 2023, 07:45:12 pm
I like that story Michael. Both our countries  have a strong gold mining background and the hardship that many people went through trying to make their fortunes is hard to comprehend. My father recently told me about his grandfather who prospected for gold in the late 1800?s. To my amazement, he was working in some of the same areas that I?m currently visiting. It?s a funny feeling knowing that there is some family history in the area.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on September 26, 2023, 09:26:49 am
I imagine the forty niners could have picked better claims if they had a metal detector...
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 23, 2023, 02:44:09 am
Needed a break from beekeeping stuff so I grabbed the detector and went out for a play. Picked up a few small bits and then later in the morning, I got a signal on one end of a large rock. It would have been about 2 feet in diameter and was too heavy to lift. The rock was a conglomerate containing small pebbles cemented together with a fine silty material. It was extremely hard and took about 5 minutes to break off a piece that contained the signal. Eventually the gold was exposed. You may be able to see it on the end of the  small piece of rock that I?m holding. As you can see, I have the hands of a prospector. A mate and I have often found gold in conglomerate in this particular location. There were quite a few large rocks in that area that I checked but no other pieces turned up. I gave up turning rocks over when a small brown snake was uncovered. That was the signal to go home as the day was starting to warm up and the ?wriggle sticks? would be coming out to sun themselves.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on October 23, 2023, 12:04:35 pm
It's a fun hobby.  I can't imagine leaving everything behind on the promise of finding enough to make a living though.   :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on October 23, 2023, 01:02:12 pm
I'm laughing so hard about "wriggle sticks"!  :cheesy:  I'm going to call snakes only that from now on!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 23, 2023, 05:47:49 pm
I agree Kathy, it would have been hard times for most. A mate and I often talk about what it would have been like for prospectors 150 years ago. We also laugh about being back in those times with metal detectors. We would have made a fortune.

Most wriggle sticks are OK as they follow the description and move out of the way. The one snake that I?m a little concerned about is the death adder that tends to sit still and strikes if you step on them. They blend into their environment really well and can be difficult to spot. During spring and summer I wear snake gaters over long pants to provide some extra protection.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on October 23, 2023, 08:42:55 pm
Quote
snake gaters over long pants to provide some extra protection.

A lot of the riders around her wear shorter riding boots.  I always wore the tall boots.  I am from rattlesnake country and tall leather boots were always the way to go. 
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on October 24, 2023, 06:08:32 am
We really don't have deadly snakes here.  Most people bit by rattlers, or copperheads or cottonmouths live through it.  Rattlers give the best warning.  I always wear thick boots.  All the time, everywhere.  It's not that I'm afraid of rattlers, but how do you get anything done otherwise?  You can kick something pretty hard with good boots on.  Otherwise you have to go find a tool for whatever the job is... Boots have also saved me from dog bites that would have penetrated.  My calf was still bruised pretty badly, but no holes in my me and no missing pieces...
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 24, 2023, 07:04:05 am
Unfortunately Australia has a reputation for having a bunch of snakes that can do a bit of damage if they bite you. The eastern brown, death adder and tiger snakes are all common in my area and it would not be a good finish to the day if they got hold of you.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on October 24, 2023, 09:03:51 am
Unfortunately Australia has a reputation for having a bunch of snakes that can do a bit of damage if they bite you. The eastern brown, death adder and tiger snakes are all common in my area and it would not be a good finish to the day if they got hold of you.
There are several things that I don't have to deal with where I live and venomous snakes are much one of them. We do have copperheads and I think there's a rattler or two upstate in the woods but I can pretty much go anywhere around here without worrying about them. Never having to deal with them, just the thought of them scares me. Besides, I just don't like getting close to snakes.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on October 27, 2023, 04:04:19 am
A nice cool day today so it was a good time to try a spot that is normally over run with snakes, ticks and leaches. With the weather being particularly dry, it was a good chance to see if some yellow could be added to the rattle jar without the problem beasts that tend to bite.. The initial intention was to walk a long way through dense scrub, over a steep hill and then follow a stream bed for about 1km before detecting. The plan was spoilt when I turned on the detector at the car. The battery was only partially charged so I thought it was best to stay close to the ute and detect some terrain that had been worked regularly by quite a few people recently. A lot of grass and weeds had died due to the dry, hot weather and this uncovered more ground that the coil could swing over. Quite a few lead shot were detected and uncovered which got me excited as it meant that other people hadn?t worked this area well. It was great to be able to bring home a nice little haul of gold. Not large but a lot of fun to find.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 06, 2023, 03:07:45 am
A mate and I went back to the spot that I detected some gold just over a week ago. We found 10 pieces each and had a great day out in the bush. It was nice to find a piece with a bit of size to it. These days, most of the treasure is very small but that doesn?t diminish the fun.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 06, 2023, 06:39:17 am
As Buggs Bunny might say "There's Gold in tem-ter hills!"  Good for y'all Les. Nice piece! Did y'all see any of those poison snakes?

https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=55153.msg502857#msg502857
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 06, 2023, 03:01:23 pm
No Phillip. We had a cool day yesterday which is why we went out for a walk. As the temperatures continue to rise, the opportunities to get out reduce. As we tend to walk reasonable distances and work a bit to dig targets, cool days are also more comfortable. We always wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, snake gaters, a hat and boots in the bush.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 10, 2023, 03:59:07 am
Another day out in the bush with a mate. We worked up a gully and my mate found a couple of beautiful nuggets. I was left to find the small pieces. Saw one wriggle stick today. He looked to be about 5 feet long and didn?t hang around to say hello. It was hard work in the heat but we did have an enjoyable day. Looks like I dropped one piece. Don?t know where it?s gone.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 10, 2023, 06:43:41 am
Still a nice find Les... Glad mr snake left the scene!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 10, 2023, 06:47:28 am
It would be nice to find an area where no one has searched, considering how well you two do in an area that has... Keep up the good work!!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 10, 2023, 06:48:49 am
I am generally not a jealous person and am usually capable of getting what I want and need but I am jealous of your gold adventures. I have always wanted my own little pocket full of gold. I did collect some quartz with gold embedded in it when I was in AK but it's only plaster flakes and I doubt that I'd get much out of it if I went through the process to separate it. I don't know if it's legal for you to sell it, but I would give you the going price plus shipping for some of that, if it is and you're interested.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 10, 2023, 03:27:28 pm
Thanks guys.

My mate and I were talking about how lucky we are to be close to gold fields. Although a lot of the larger ?easy? gold has been found, there are still little bits available if you are prepared to work for it. As you can see from the photos, the gold in this area is very pure. In general it is supposed to have a purity of over 98%. Many people do sell their gold but I?m happy just to keep it at this stage. Thanks for the offer. The gold on the coin weighed about 1.1 grams. That?s not much really. When you look at it in your hand it is only a few tiny specs. In saying that, it would have a gold value of $100 Australian. Nuggets of gold generally attract a small premium above spot price. The larger and more attractive pieces can sell for ridiculous prices.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 10, 2023, 03:33:17 pm
A great hobby Les....
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 14, 2023, 07:02:24 am
It is a good hobby Phillip. Especially when the right colour shows up. Another good day in the bush with a few pieces to bring home. Only a red belly black wriggle stick to deal with today. He needed a bit of encouragement to move along but meant no harm to anyone. Wishing now that I photographed the snake. It had a beautiful sheen to its skin.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on November 14, 2023, 07:24:20 am
Mostly around my house I find nails.  Lots and lots of nails.  An occasional flip top.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 14, 2023, 07:40:10 am
Mostly around my house I find nails.  Lots and lots of nails.  An occasional flip top.
Was there a barn or something there that is now gone? Having a lot of nails hanging around sounds odd.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 14, 2023, 09:28:29 am
It is a good hobby Phillip. Especially when the right colour shows up. Another good day in the bush with a few pieces to bring home. Only a red belly black wriggle stick to deal with today. He needed a bit of encouragement to move along but meant no harm to anyone. Wishing now that I photographed the snake. It had a beautiful sheen to its skin.

Love it!!!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on November 14, 2023, 10:02:05 am
Construction on the house started in 1856.  No telling how many times the roof has been torn off.  There used to be a lot of outbuildings that are gone now.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 14, 2023, 10:44:59 am
Construction on the house started in 1856.  No telling how many times the roof has been torn off.  There used to be a lot of outbuildings that are gone now.
Got it! My grandfather bought a functioning dairy farm in eastern panhandle of WV in 1962 and true to form, he left it fall apart so I can envision all of that. It sounds interesting to me, as I like seeing and hearing about the history of our country. I've lived in PA all my life and PA was a state from the beginning of statehood and those to the west came in later. Those out west are all new to me and history was less than my strong point. Our frontier and yours are incredible different, as are the construction materials and styles. Our 1700s and 1800s houses were mostly built of stone and all built long before any indoor amenities came about. As time passed and amenities were invented, they all got them at different phases of progress, depending on how wealthy the owners were.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on November 14, 2023, 12:00:38 pm
When Isaac Pollard (who built my house) arrived in Nebraska there was no railroad here.  He had to make the bricks to build the house and slake the lime for the mortar and sawed the wood.  He build a saw mill on the creek in back of my house and sawed lumber for himself and others.  When it washed away, he rebuilt it.  When it washed away again he gave up on the sawmill.  My house may not be the oldest in Nebraska, but if it's not, it's close.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 14, 2023, 03:13:26 pm
Detecting around your house for relics would be a lot of fun, especially considering it?s age. Belt buckles, horse harness fittings and old coins come to mind. The bits and pieces that you could find, add to the history of the area.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 14, 2023, 04:26:34 pm
When Isaac Pollard (who built my house) arrived in Nebraska there was no railroad here.  He had to make the bricks to build the house and slake the lime for the mortar and sawed the wood.  He build a saw mill on the creek in back of my house and sawed lumber for himself and others.  When it washed away, he rebuilt it.  When it washed away again he gave up on the sawmill.  My house may not be the oldest in Nebraska, but if it's not, it's close.
The thought of all that is nostalgic and sounds glorious but I expect that it's not as glorious as it sounds, having lost the mill twice and all. How much land do you have yet?
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 14, 2023, 05:46:46 pm
Detecting around your house for relics would be a lot of fun, especially considering it?s age. Belt buckles, horse harness fittings and old coins come to mind. The bits and pieces that you could find, add to the history of the area.

Good point. Many old coins were made of Silver.   
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 14, 2023, 09:07:20 pm
With a treasure detecting machine, iron and steel can be discriminated out and therefore, most signals could be copper, brass, aluminium, SILVER or GOLD
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 15, 2023, 12:09:14 am

30 seconds
https://youtu.be/rY-XDQN6ipE?si=4e6_gR0IsGWoCVpF
8 seconds
https://youtu.be/tFxzohbXLSo?si=_j9hnSm7Cv7erG64

:wink: :cheesy:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 15, 2023, 07:00:05 am
Les the more your post the more I am interested in purchasing one of those better machines myself. There is no gold in my area but there are old, forgotten home sites. What is the treasure detecting machine set up that you would recommend?

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 15, 2023, 08:24:43 am

30 seconds
https://youtu.be/rY-XDQN6ipE?si=4e6_gR0IsGWoCVpF

:wink: :cheesy:
That sounds like Burl Ives singing that. I wore one of his records out when I was a little nipper. That video brings back old memories of much better days.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 15, 2023, 03:49:57 pm
Hi Phillip

There are plenty of good machines out there that will do a good job. I use Minelab machines as they make the best gold detectors for Australian conditions and they are very good in relation to warranty and service. For treasure detecting I also use the same brand. I currently have A Manticore and an Equinox 800. They both do a good job. I have not used the Manticore all that often yet as I only just purchased it. From all reports, it is an excellent machine. Having access to good areas to detect is the biggest problem. If you can get to old house sites etc, you could find some very interesting relics.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on November 15, 2023, 03:52:19 pm
As always, thanks Les and keep the good gold post coming! !
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 16, 2023, 10:00:16 pm
Been kinda lurking on this thread because I thought it was a cool activity .. get some exercise with a bonus of a little bit of glitter  :cool:

Just looked up your 10 cent coin , Lesgold

Our dime (10 cents)  is 17.9 mm ... about the same as Aus 1 cent at 17.65 mm (our penny is 19.05mm)

Aus 10 cent coin is 23.6mm ... about the same as our quarter at 24.26 mm

So ... to uninformed Americans like me, imagine that coin as being a quarter .... looks like a lot more fun hobby to me now  :cheesy:

Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 16, 2023, 10:45:36 pm
It is good fun but it?s quite expensive to buy a good detector to start with. Most days, the gold found covers the fuel cost, plus a bit (if you look at it from that perspective) but I don?t sell much at this stage. If you live close to gold bearing areas, it?s a real advantage. I started with a gold pan and still use one from time to time as it?s a lot of fun and can give plenty of information about the country that you are prospecting.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 17, 2023, 12:46:22 am
I was thinking it would be cool to collect over the years until enough was accumulated to make something. I've done a fair amount of casting as a hobby and it's got a strangely relaxing quality to the work. It's similar to running a metal lathe or mill, but without the need for focused detail, almost hypnotic. That probably sounds nuts to most people, but that's as close as I can describe the feeling. I've never cast gold, for obvious reasons. Silver, bronze, brass, copper:yes, but mostly lead alloys for bullets and several different pewter or related alloys (mostly for high detail "tin soldiers"
Each metal has it's own "feel" and seems to stir different "feelings" at different stages of the process. Pretty sure that sounds nuts too :cheesy: 
Anyway, You may want to try it, if you haven't. Pewter is super cheap, low enough temp to make molds from rubber or straight Plaster of Paris (and without a furnace)... a super-cheap way to learn lot about how to make good molds. .. but bronze is wonderful... the glow, the radiant heat, it's reaction when it first hits the mold, will make you feel like you're working magic.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on November 17, 2023, 09:40:54 am
I was thinking it would be cool to collect over the years until enough was accumulated to make something. I've done a fair amount of casting as a hobby and it's got a strangely relaxing quality to the work. It's similar to running a metal lathe or mill, but without the need for focused detail, almost hypnotic. That probably sounds nuts to most people, but that's as close as I can describe the feeling. I've never cast gold, for obvious reasons. Silver, bronze, brass, copper:yes, but mostly lead alloys for bullets and several different pewter or related alloys (mostly for high detail "tin soldiers"
Each metal has it's own "feel" and seems to stir different "feelings" at different stages of the process. Pretty sure that sounds nuts too :cheesy: 
Anyway, You may want to try it, if you haven't. Pewter is super cheap, low enough temp to make molds from rubber or straight Plaster of Paris (and without a furnace)... a super-cheap way to learn lot about how to make good molds. .. but bronze is wonderful... the glow, the radiant heat, it's reaction when it first hits the mold, will make you feel like you're working magic.
What are you using it to melt the metals and how hot will it get? I have thought of collecting scrap copper and making ingots out of it. Could do the same with brass, and take it to the scrap yard when prices are right.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 17, 2023, 02:39:59 pm
What I'm doing wouldn't be cost effective for making ingots when it comes to the hot stuff.
Large amounts of lead? ... sure, that's fairly cold ... melting scrap would need 900F or so, or a little less than 700 for clean lead (if I remember correctly pure lead melts at 620 or so (alloys are almost always at lower temp) ... so, a good propane fish cooker and a cast iron pot (that you never use for anything else ever again), regular old wax for flux, and molds of cast iron or aluminum.

For the hotter stuff, never actually measured temperature. I've mostly done small stuff ... like sometimes just a ladle and acetylene torch.
For big hot stuff : Fuel is a choice between money and labor. You can make your own charcoal and bellows for cheap and a lot of work (both building and working) , graduate to using dried air out of a compressor, or all the way up to expensive gasses and oxygen. No matter the fuel, a blast furnace is needed, but easy to make. Mine is currently a stack of bricks, asbestos pipe, and steel pipe in the corner of the basement. I set it up in the back yard when needed.

Cost in time/work/fuel isn't worth the difference in price at the scrap yard to me. Doing it on a large enough scale to be "worth it" would also make it hard to control the pollution it can generate. Casting art pieces, you could make good money, but "art" is all about marketing rather than objective value.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 17, 2023, 03:52:45 pm
I cast my own lead sinkers for fishing. It is good fun and saves a lot of money. About 20 years ago I made heaps and still haven?t used them all. I have cast aluminium in casting sand and really enjoyed that process. It was part of my teacher training a long time ago. Melting gold is also a rewarding experience. Watching small scraps of gold become molten and flow together to form a button of gold is amazing to watch. I have had some of my gold nuggets converted to jewellery over the years. I?ll see if my wife and daughters can drag some pieces out and I?ll photograph them. Would love to have the skills to do this myself but sometimes it is better to leave it to the experts.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 17, 2023, 04:36:39 pm
That's cool ...
but if you leave it to the experts, you never gain the skills  :smile:
and the more of yourself you put into something, the more your loved ones see you in it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 17, 2023, 05:21:32 pm
So true but where does it all stop? More equipment to buy, more time to spend on another hobby and the time taken to build and refine skills. There just doesn?t seem to be enough hours in the day.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 17, 2023, 05:31:11 pm
stop ? NEVER !

Whoever dies with the most tools wins !  :cheesy:

seriously, tho .. yeah, you're right ... we can't do it all ... darn it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 17, 2023, 08:42:24 pm
Here is a shot of a gold nugget that a jeweller attached a jump ring and chain to. It was given to my daughter for here 30th birthday about 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: The15thMember on November 17, 2023, 08:49:42 pm
That is so beautiful!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: animal on November 18, 2023, 12:46:42 am
quite nice ! Natural forms have their own beauty. I'd bet she is incredibly happy with it !


Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on November 18, 2023, 02:59:25 am
It?s unique which is what my daughter likes. When I get home tomorrow, I will post a couple of pieces that were made for my wife.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on December 22, 2023, 05:17:51 am
We had a cool day so a mate and I went for a trip to some old gold workings for a bit of a play. You can see from the photos that the old timers turned over a fair bit of ground. The gold was small but we had a lot of fun. Lost two pieces down the kitchen sink while I was cleaning it which was a bit of a shame.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: BeeMaster2 on December 22, 2023, 06:13:11 am
Les,
Looks like Christmas came early for you.
Take the kitchen sink trap off and retrieve that gold.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on December 22, 2023, 07:39:14 am
Nice find Les. The gold might be found in the trap as Jim says..

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on December 22, 2023, 07:39:33 am
That is definitely neat and I'm with Jim, don't your drains have traps on them down under?
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on December 22, 2023, 03:29:49 pm
I won?t worry about it. The gold was weighed before cleaning and then again after. The pieces that were lost were very small so it was no great loss. I also washed a honey bucket last night and the sink was filled with water to get the job done. The gold would most likely have been pushed through the S bend. When I was out in the bush I did have an interesting find which has never happened before. Normally when a target is detected, a pick is used to dig it out and then a plastic scoop is utilised to recover the target. The  scoop which is filled with soil from the pile of dirt and is then passed over the detector coil. If you hear a sound from the detector, you know that the metallic target is in the scoop. If you hear no sound, the target is obviously still in the pile of dirt and the process is repeated. To find the piece of gold(or junk), half of the material in the scoop is tipped into your hand. The scoop is again passed over the coil. If the detector makes a noise, the gold is still in the scoop. If it doesn?t, you know that it is in your hand. Either way, the material that you have left has reduced by half. This method of dividing is used until the gold is spotted. Quite often you can get down to a few grains of gravel before you spot what you are after.  I was going through this process at one stage yesterday and as I halved the spoils, I noticed a small piece of gold in my hand. I tested the material that was in the scoop and the machine still made a noise. I therefore had two pieces of gold at that point. When I carefully checked all of the soil, three small pieces of gold resulted. That is the first time that situation has arisen for me while detecting.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on January 23, 2024, 05:14:54 am
A mate and I walked into a steep gully to detect for a bit of gold. My mate found a rock bar that held some gold so we dug it out and detected as we went. We ended up with 6 pieces each for the day. It was drizzling with rain for most of the day but it was cool only reaching about 20degrees C which made it very pleasant. The gold was a nice bonus.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on January 23, 2024, 03:45:34 pm
 Thumbs up!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 07, 2024, 04:53:59 am
Today was a choice between mowing the lawn or heading out into the bush prospecting. After serious consideration a choice was made. It was a good day out apart from being attacked by a few hungry leaches.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on February 07, 2024, 10:07:33 am
There have been really big storms where my parents live so we will hit the rivers there in early summer and do some digging and panning.  Found a tiny bit last year but we were in to popular a spot.  We need to do better.

Congrats on your bits.  when do you put it all together and cash in?   :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 08, 2024, 01:53:37 am
Three of the bits were picked up in a dry creek bed. We have had a couple of floods in the last couple of months and they moved a lot of gravel and rocks. The small bits of gold will be combined and melted down into ingots to be sold to a gold buyer.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on February 08, 2024, 09:21:01 am
Three of the bits were picked up in a dry creek bed. We have had a couple of floods in the last couple of months and they moved a lot of gravel and rocks. The small bits of gold will be combined and melted down into ingots to be sold to a gold buyer.
Do you melt it yourself? I occasionally think about melting my brass and copper scrap into ingots.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 08, 2024, 03:37:34 pm
Have a look at reply #24 on this thread. Easier to get rid of the small bits that way. Larger nuggets tend to have more value as a collectors piece rather than being melted down and sold as scrap.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on February 08, 2024, 03:43:18 pm
OK, nice! I'll have to snoop around and see what I can find on what it takes to do that. I do have an acetylene/oxygen setup.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 15, 2024, 03:45:25 am
Took a guy I know out for a swing today. It was cool and overcast which made the day quite pleasant. The pieces were  small but the number was good. I feel lucky to be able to find gold locally.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on February 17, 2024, 03:01:58 am
My mate and I had a good day out today picking up 30 pieces between us for just under 6 grams. Wish it was always that good.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 04, 2024, 05:23:56 am
We went out for a look up the same gully that produced some nice pieces a couple of weeks ago. My mate and I decided to work together to get some of the hard work done and then share the gold at the end of the day. We had an amazing day with 47 pieces found between us. I?ll post a picture of my share after I clean it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 04, 2024, 08:50:52 am
Very nice. I don't suffer from jealousy often but right now I am feeling it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 04, 2024, 09:33:16 am
Awesome!! Y'all have found a good spot!
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 05, 2024, 06:11:13 am
My share of the gold. Looks good when it?s clean.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 05, 2024, 07:26:05 am
How do you clean it? I have a couple of small rocks that I gathered off the ground in Alaska that are quartz with plaster gold embedded in it. If I put it in my pocket and let it roll around for about a week, the gold cleans up pretty good. Without it being cleaned, it just looks like a white rock with black specks in it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 05, 2024, 08:20:03 am
My share of the gold. Looks good when it?s clean.

Thumbs Up!
Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 05, 2024, 10:58:59 am
Very nice. I don't suffer from jealousy often but right now I am feeling it.

Gold seems to have that effect on some!  :cheesy: :wink: 

North To Alaska
Johnny Horton

https://youtu.be/BLONWy46gIE?si=1gcsBkve3prOH7oT
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 05, 2024, 04:07:49 pm
I roughly clean the gold in an ultrasonic cleaner. That?s the result of the cleaning in the last photo. Eventually I will soak the gold in a mild acid and leave it for a few weeks to remove some of the persistent stains and dissolve some of the ironstone or quartz that may be present in the nuggets. After such a good day out we decided to follow up yesterday. We worked the same area and moved further upstream. The gold was generally smaller and we worked hard all day. The result was still good and we were very happy with what we found. I managed to film some of the finds to show what we do. A YouTube video should follow at some point.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 05, 2024, 08:35:05 pm
https://youtu.be/Tz7A3UbUBT4?si=GZPfdv4fVjh11GD5

Here?s a link to a clip that a mate and I put together yesterday. It?s raw and unrefined and should give you some idea of what we have been doing.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 05, 2024, 09:10:11 pm
Thanks for the video Les. Makes me want to fly down and enjoy a day with you!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 06, 2024, 02:46:35 am
You would be welcome any time Phillip.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on March 06, 2024, 06:03:45 am
Three reasons it won't be just a day.
1) it takes too long to only spend a day
2) it costs too much to only spend a day
3) it is far to beautiful and the weather too nice to only spend a day
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 06, 2024, 12:06:30 pm
You would be welcome any time Phillip.
Three reasons it won't be just a day.
1) it takes too long to only spend a day
2) it costs too much to only spend a day
3) it is far to beautiful and the weather too nice to only spend a day

Mr Bush; A 'day' was used as a 'figure of speech'... Many from the South were taught certain manners. One was 'never invite yourself to someone else's gathering'. Even so, Les' video was so interesting; I broke that rule and 'timidly invited myself' to Les' gathering using the term 'for a day' hoping to communicate I would like to tag along in a non-intruding manner, while acknowledging even 'a day' would be very appreciated... Thanks for the invite Les!!! 

Phillip





Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 09, 2024, 06:53:35 pm
Les I think you and others might like this short clip!

https://youtube.com/shorts/3Bn5G0LfHHo?si=nnoLanTv56J62XtP
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 09, 2024, 07:02:28 pm
I always laugh at these set up clips. If it was that easy, gold would be worthless.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 09, 2024, 08:26:51 pm
I always laugh at these set up clips. If it was that easy, gold would be worthless.
Do you mean that you don't find big nuggets like that just laying around all the time? Why...I'm shocked.




Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 13, 2024, 06:21:27 am
Worked hard all day for a bunch of small pieces. Not a lot of weight but it sure helps when the price of gold is high.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 13, 2024, 07:58:37 am
I always laugh at these set up clips. If it was that easy, gold would be worthless.
Do you mean that you don't find big nuggets like that just laying around all the time? Why...I'm shocked.

Food for thought and just for fun:
Is it possible, there are areas in the world where gold can still be found as shown in the video? Such observations were described during the hay-day of the California Gold Rush, as well as The Alaskan Gold Rush.  I (suspect) Antarctica may be one of those places.

Could there (still be gold), left waiting in other parts of the world above sea level even today?
Such a find and its location would be a grand happening if stumbled upon! lol  :grin: :cheesy: :wink:
Wouldn?t it be wise to keep such a find a hush hush secret IF the prospector has learned anything from the history of such discoveries?  lol  :wink: :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 13, 2024, 08:14:36 am
Worked hard all day for a bunch of small pieces. Not a lot of weight but it sure helps when the price of gold is high.

Never the less, good find Les!

Phillip
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 13, 2024, 08:37:20 am
Food for thought and just for fun:
Is it possible, there are areas in the world where gold can still be found as shown in the video? Such observations were described during the hay-day of the California Gold Rush, as well as The Alaskan Gold Rush.  I (suspect) Antarctica may be one of those places.

Could there (still be gold), left waiting in other parts of the world above sea level even today?
Such a find and its location would be a grand happening if stumbled upon! lol  :grin: :cheesy: :wink:
Wouldn?t it be wise to keep such a find a hush hush secret IF the prospector has learned anything from the history of such discoveries?  lol  :wink: :grin:
This reminds me of a song from my yute by an obscure band named New Riders of the Purple Sage. I always had an odd taste in music and this was one of the first bands I got into back then. Little known fact about them is that Gerry Garcia was playing with them and The Dead early in his career and made the right choice to go with The Dead. I was never a big Dead fan but most of my buddies were. Anyhow...There is a live version of this song that I was unable to find where he starts out by talking about how one guy discovered Sutter's Mill and told someone, who told someone else, who told someone else...and you know how that goes.

Here's the tune, hope ya like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PARdbpFUa3U
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on March 13, 2024, 09:05:41 am
It's geology, but a lot of locations have small amounts of gold if you pan them.  I had a friend who hung out with a prospector who had a lot of his fellow prospectors over for supper while my friend was their.  They went and got a pan full of gravel from the river and dumped it on the table and the prospectors all sorted it out.  There were garnets, gold, etc.  The results were worth a few dollars, but the amount of work vs the value was such that you could make a little money every day if you wanted to do the work, but you could find a job and make more.  One of the prospectors had a silver mine with a vein in it and he was following the vein through hard rock and would go work in it whenever he needed a little cash.  Places with gold will probably ALWAYS have some gold there.  It's just less and less as people work them.  But sometimes the amount gets refreshed by more soil getting washed out by a good rain.  Very few have enough to make a living, but some do.  My location there really isn't any because of the geology again.  What you find here is a lot of limestone and some very nice flint nodules.  The American Indians were quarrying the flint for the last few millennia.  The guy who built my house was in California during the gold rush and he and his friends were making about $200 a day sluicing all the dirt in the area.  Most of the work was digging ditches to move the water and shoveling dirt. They never completely ran out of gold in any given spot, but it would reach the point where it was more profitable to move somewhere else.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 13, 2024, 09:18:23 am
I am a loyal follower of the Gold Rush series on Discovery and I find everything about it interesting. The geology, the finding of Wooly Mammoth tusks in the perma-frost, the diligence of the gold miner, all of it. The size of the mines seems larger than what they portray in the show, maybe for the optics of the process to those who oppose it. I find it amazing at how much dirt they process to get such a small amount of gold and what those old timers did to get the gold out in primitive conditions.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 13, 2024, 04:25:57 pm
As Michael said earlier, floods turn over gravel and move material around. Banks get eroded and more material is washed into replenish the system. Much of the gold found recently was due to the two floods that occurred late last year.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on March 13, 2024, 07:08:00 pm
I am hoping this will be a fun year in CA after all the rain and the many feet of snow.  I once had a friend who panned regularly that few places don't have gold.  It's just a matter of whether or not there is enough to bother with.

Last year when I went to the Bear River to pan and found my one flake, there were several guys out there working upriver.  I noticed that ever bolder along the shore had been dug out by people hunting for gold after the high water of the winter before.

Les is my inspiration, but reality tells me that I'll be lucky to find just a bit when I go  :grin:



Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Michael Bush on March 14, 2024, 05:21:18 am
The way I see it, panning for gold is the same addiction and the same dopamine  rush as gambling except instead of getting poorer, you get to spend time outdoors and occasionally you get a little richer.  Or like fishing.  Again, that dopamine rush, but you're not giving your money away to get it.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Kathyp on March 14, 2024, 11:11:42 am
Quote
you get to spend time outdoors and occasionally you get a little richer.  Or like fishing.

I do better fishing!  But you are right.  There may have been people out there trying to get rich, but I just enjoyed bruising my knees kneeling on boulders and trying not to fall into the river   :grin:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 14, 2024, 04:18:14 pm
That sounds about right. I do a lot of fishing off the beach or out of my boat. If you could imagine the rush of hooking and fighting a big fish and multiply the feeling by 100, that would get you close to how you feel when you find a nice piece of gold. Gold fever is an incurable disease.
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 15, 2024, 12:02:41 am
If gold was in my area I would probably give searching for it a go..
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Ben Framed on March 15, 2024, 07:36:41 am
What do you all think about the information in this short clip? Legitimate?

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ky7PU6QnGp8?si=qDbCVjfQJenrwnVC
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 16, 2024, 04:08:06 am
Could be. I?ve seen the results of reefs and outcrops that have produced considerable amounts of gold but I have not found anything like that. (Unfortunately)
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 16, 2024, 09:45:11 am
Could be. I?ve seen the results of reefs and outcrops that have produced considerable amounts of gold but I have not found anything like that. (Unfortunately)
It sounds like your username needs another 's'. :cool:
Title: Re: Gold prospecting using a metal detector
Post by: Lesgold on March 17, 2024, 05:20:34 pm
😀😀😀
Here?s a short that I posted two days ago. It?s a clip from a trip last week.
https://youtube.com/shorts/KteNIxeYAHc?si=OC8MnUrxs-Vdfkzz