Precious Metals

Before you head out to hunt for precious metals, it's important to have the right tools. This includes a metal detector, a shovel or pick, a classifier, and more. The type of gear you need may vary depending on the area you're searching and the type of metal you're after. Click the link to see our recommended tools for prospecting.

Panning is one of the oldest and simplest methods of prospecting for gold. It involves using a pan to separate gold from gravel or sand by swirling the mixture around in water. The heavier gold particles will sink to the bottom of the pan, while lighter material will wash away. Panning can be done in almost any body of water, from rivers to streams to lakes.

Sluicing is a method of prospecting that uses a long, narrow trough called a sluice box to channel water and separate gold from other materials. As water runs through the sluice box, riffles catch the heavier gold particles and allow lighter material to wash away. Sluicing is typically done in areas with flowing water and can be a very efficient way to recover gold.

Dredging is a method of prospecting that involves using a suction hose to extract gold from river bottoms or stream beds. A dredge is essentially a vacuum cleaner that sucks up material from the river or stream bed and separates the gold using a sluice box or other method. Dredging can be an effective way to recover large quantities of gold, but it can also be expensive and environmentally damaging if not done responsibly.

Metal detecting is a method of prospecting that uses a handheld device to detect metal buried underground. This method can be effective for finding gold nuggets or other metal deposits that are hidden beneath the surface. Metal detecting can be done in a variety of locations, including deserts, mountains, and even urban areas. However, it can also be time-consuming and require a lot of patience.

Finding precious metals in their natural state can be extremely rewarding and fun. However, that is not the only way to find precious metals. Due to the explosion of technology over the last few decades, and the rampant consumer culture, people throw away precious metals literally every day. You can find (and extract) precious metals from electronics, wires, and all sorts of other places if you know how to look.

While precious metals are the main attraction for many prospectors, there are also plenty of beautiful gemstones waiting to be found. Some popular gems include amethyst, garnet, and sapphire. Click the link to learn more about where to find these gemstones and how to identify them.