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Geological Factors to Look Out for When Prospecting for Gold

Gold prospectors who spend a significant amount of their time hunting for treasure in various places often wonder when they will ever come across what they’re looking for. But since gold appears in a wide array of mineral deposits, it may be hard to determine their exact location.

Adding to that is the fact that when you do come across a gold nugget in a specific deposit, that doesn’t mean going to a different place with similar rock formations can indicate there’s hidden treasure nearby. If you want to find out some natural geologic signs to look out for on your next prospecting, keep reading below.

Rocks with Different Colours

Many places that serve as a good site for relic hunting usually involve acidic mineral solutions affecting the rocks in the area. As a result, the rocks turn a shade lighter, which can be a sign that there is some gold present.

Rocks Containing Iron Stains

Rock formations with noticeable veins don’t always develop quartz to signify the appearance of gold. But those that do can include calcite or sulphides that usually turn into iron-stained spots the moment the pyrite mineral it contains transforms into iron oxides.

If you find yourself gold prospecting in a place that holds vast amounts of iron oxides, namely hematite, magnetite, and ironstone, then these are helpful signs that there is treasure in the area.

Rocks That Have Quartz Veins

Rocks that develop tiny amounts of quartz veins is another indication that there is an apparent mineral activity in the location. It means that you have a good chance of going home with some loot, so long as you utilise proper gold mining prospecting equipment to back you up.

Rocks in Fault Zones

It would help if you looked past the surface and kept an eye on rocks and quartz deposits that form along fault zones, or when two different kinds of stones come into contact. It can be a good possibility that gold deposits can be found there, and you have a chance of finding treasure and selling your gold to potential buyers.

Rocks in Other Surfaces

When it comes to metal detecting, you have a bigger opportunity of finding gold upstream, in riverbeds and beaches. However, if you want to try your luck on land where there are moderate to flat slopes, the desert is a destination where you can expect to witness various relics.

Rocks in Familiar Geological Places

The moment you find yourself acquiring fine gold in an area with a specific rock formation or a geologic environment, you can scout nearby regions within the mountain range for the same rock type. While it isn’t a sure sign that you will achieve the same results, it’s worth testing your luck and grabbing your metal detector to inspect the surroundings.

Conclusion

Remember that each location you visit in hopes of finding gold will differ, so a geological indicator for one place won’t assure you it will be the same for the next area you check out. The best thing you can do when you’re prospecting for treasure is to get to know the expanse you plan to go to and discover the mineral deposits before embarking on your journey with a gold metal detector in hand.

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