Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Public Gold Prospecting Sites on East Coast

Dahlonega, Georgia: The town of Dahlonega was the site of the first gold rush in the United States. There are several public gold panning locations in the area, including the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and the Consolidated Gold Mine.

Cherokee County, North Carolina: There are several public gold panning locations in Cherokee County, including the Big Creek Gold Mine and the Davidson River Gold Mine.

Yancey County, North Carolina: The Toe River is a popular gold panning location in Yancey County.

Saluda County, South Carolina: The Saluda River is a popular gold panning location in Saluda County.

Pickens County, South Carolina: The Chattooga River is a popular gold panning location in Pickens County.

Georgia Gold Camp: The Georgia Gold Camp is a private gold panning location in Lumpkin County, Georgia. It is open to the public for a fee.

Oconee Gold Camp: The Oconee Gold Camp is a private gold panning location in Oconee County, South Carolina. It is open to the public for a fee.

Vein Mountain Camp: The Vein Mountain Camp is a private gold panning location in North Carolina. It is open to the public for a fee.


East Coast Gold and Prospecting Shows for 2023

Here is a list of gold and prospecting shows, events, and meetings for the East Coast United States:

Eastern States Prospectors Association Fall Show
The Eastern States Prospectors Association Fall Show is an annual event that brings together prospectors, miners, and treasure hunters from all over the East Coast. The show features a wide variety of exhibits, including gold panning, rockhounding, and jewelry making. There are also seminars and workshops on a variety of topics related to prospecting and mining.

The show is held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The next show will be held on October 14-16, 2023.

Northeast Prospectors Association Spring Show
The Northeast Prospectors Association Spring Show is an annual event that brings together prospectors, miners, and treasure hunters from all over the Northeast. The show features a wide variety of exhibits, including gold panning, rockhounding, and jewelry making. There are also seminars and workshops on a variety of topics related to prospecting and mining.

The show is held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The next show will be held on April 22-24, 2023.


New England Mineral & Gem Show
The New England Mineral & Gem Show is an annual event that brings together mineral collectors, rockhounds, and jewelry makers from all over New England. The show features a wide variety of exhibits, including minerals, fossils, and gemstones. There are also seminars and workshops on a variety of topics related to mineral collecting and jewelry making.

The show is held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The next show will be held on October 21-23, 2023.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Joys of Finding your own GOLD!

Gold prospecting is a hobby that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature, while also having the chance to find some valuable treasure.

There are many different ways to prospect for gold, but the most common method is to use a gold pan. Gold pans are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, and they can be found at most outdoor stores. To use a gold pan, simply fill it with water and sand, and then swirl it around in a circular motion. The gold will be heavier than the sand and will sink to the bottom of the pan. You can then use your fingers to pick out the gold.

If you are looking for a more challenging prospecting experience, you can try using a sluice box. Sluice boxes are larger than gold pans and can be used to process larger amounts of material. They are also more effective at finding small pieces of gold.

Gold prospecting can be a very rewarding hobby. Not only is it a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also a chance to find some valuable treasure. If you are looking for a new hobby to try, I highly recommend gold prospecting.

Here are some of the joys of gold prospecting:

  • The thrill of the hunt. Gold prospecting is a lot like treasure hunting. You never know when you might find a nugget or flake of gold. The thrill of the hunt is what keeps people coming back for more.
  • The beauty of nature. Gold prospecting often takes place in remote and beautiful areas. You can spend your days exploring creeks and rivers, and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
  • The sense of accomplishment. When you finally find a piece of gold, it is a very satisfying feeling. It is a reminder that you have put in the hard work and dedication to find your treasure.
  • The camaraderie of other prospectors. Gold prospecting is a social activity. You will often meet other prospectors while you are out in the field. These people are often friendly and helpful, and they can share their knowledge and experience with you.

If you are looking for a new hobby that is both rewarding and enjoyable, I highly recommend gold prospecting. It is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have the chance to find some valuable treasure.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Upcoming Gold Prospecting Shows

If you're a gold prospector, or just someone who's interested in learning more about the hobby, then you'll want to check out some of the upcoming gold prospecting shows. These shows are a great place to buy equipment, learn new techniques, and meet other prospectors.

Here are a few of the upcoming gold prospecting shows:

  • The Gold Rush Days Show will be held on February 25-26, 2023, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California. This show features a wide variety of gold prospecting equipment, as well as educational seminars and demonstrations.
  • The Gold Prospectors Association of America Show will be held on March 11-12, 2023, at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California. This show is one of the largest gold prospecting shows in the country, and it features a wide variety of equipment, as well as educational seminars and demonstrations.
  • The Gold & Gems Show will be held on March 25-26, 2023, at the Puyallup Fair & Event Center in Puyallup, Washington. This show features a wide variety of gold prospecting equipment, as well as educational seminars and demonstrations.

These are just a few of the upcoming gold prospecting shows. To find a show near you, visit the website of the Gold Prospectors Association of America.

Benefits of Attending a Gold Prospecting Show

There are many benefits to attending a gold prospecting show. Here are a few of the most important ones:

  • You can buy equipment. At a gold prospecting show, you can buy all the equipment you need to get started in gold prospecting. This includes things like pans, sluices, and detectors.
  • You can learn new techniques. At a gold prospecting show, you can learn new techniques from experts in the field. This can help you improve your chances of finding gold.
  • You can meet other prospectors. At a gold prospecting show, you can meet other prospectors from all over the country. This can help you learn about new places to prospect, and it can also help you find a prospecting partner.

If you're interested in gold prospecting, then you'll want to check out some of the upcoming gold prospecting shows. These shows are a great place to buy equipment, learn new techniques, and meet other prospectors.

Here is a list of upcoming shows on the East Coast:

March 30-31, 2023    Gold Prospectors Association of America Show, Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg, Virginia

April 6-8, 2023    Gold & Gem Show, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, North Carolina

April 27-29, 2023    Gold Prospectors Association of America Show Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey


Thursday, February 16, 2023

Geology and Prospecting for Gold

Gold has been a valuable and highly sought-after metal for centuries, and has played an important role in shaping human history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, gold has been used for everything from currency to jewelry to technology. But where does this precious metal come from, and how do we find it? In this blog entry, we will explore the geology of gold and the process of prospecting for it, as well as some regions and locations around the world that are known for their rich gold deposits.

Geology of Gold

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is a highly ductile and malleable metal, and is often found in pure form in nature. However, most of the gold that is mined today is found in small particles within ores that contain other minerals. These ores are often located in veins or deposits within the Earth's crust.

The formation of gold deposits is a complex process that can take millions of years. In general, gold deposits are formed by hydrothermal processes, which involve hot water circulating through rocks and minerals deep within the Earth's crust. This water can dissolve and transport gold, as well as other minerals, to areas where it can be deposited and concentrated.

Gold can also be found in alluvial deposits, which are formed by the erosion and transport of gold-rich rocks and minerals by rivers and streams. These deposits can be mined by panning or sluicing for gold in the sediment of the river or stream bed.

Prospecting for Gold

Prospecting for gold is the process of searching for gold deposits in the Earth's crust. It can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but can also be highly rewarding for those who are successful. There are several methods that can be used to prospect for gold, including:

  1. Geologic mapping: This involves studying the geology of an area to identify rocks and structures that are known to be associated with gold deposits. This can help to narrow down potential areas to prospect.

  2. Geochemical analysis: This involves collecting and analyzing rock and soil samples to determine the presence and concentration of gold and other minerals.

  3. Geophysical methods: This involves using instruments to measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field, electrical conductivity, or other physical properties to identify potential gold deposits.

  4. Prospecting with metal detectors: This involves using a metal detector to search for gold nuggets or particles in the ground.
Once a potential gold deposit has been identified, the next step is to conduct more detailed exploration to determine the size and grade of the deposit. This can involve drilling and sampling to collect more data, and can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Regions and Locations Rich in Gold

There are several regions and locations around the world that are known for their rich gold deposits. Some of the major gold producing regions are:

  1. Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: The Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa is the largest gold deposit in the world and has been mined for over 100 years. It is estimated that the basin has produced over 2 billion ounces of gold.

  2. Carlin Trend, Nevada, USA: The Carlin Trend in Nevada is one of the most productive gold mining areas in the world. It is estimated that the area has produced over 70 million ounces of gold since the 1960s.

  3. Muruntau, Uzbekistan: The Muruntau mine in Uzbekistan is one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world. It is estimated that the mine has produced over 50 million ounces of gold.

  4. Super Pit, Western Australia: The Super Pit in Western Australia is one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world. It is estimated that the mine has produced over 21 million ounces of gold.

Resources and References

Here are some additional resources and references for those who are interested in learning more about the geology of gold and prospecting:

  • "Gold: Its Occurrence and Extraction" by T.K. Rose, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geology of gold and the different methods used to extract it.

  • "Introduction to Mineral Exploration" by Charles Moon, Michael Whateley, and Anthony Evans. This book covers the basic principles and techniques of mineral exploration, including prospecting for gold.

  • The United States Geological Survey (USGS) website has a wealth of information on the geology of gold and gold deposits around the world. You can find reports, maps, and data on their website at: https://www.usgs.gov/search?keywords=Gold+Resources

  • The Geological Society of America (GSA) also has a variety of resources on gold geology and prospecting on their website: https://rock.geosociety.org/Store/SearchResults.aspx?searchterm=Gold&searchoption=ALL

  • The Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) is a membership-based organization that offers resources, training, and networking opportunities for gold prospectors. Their website can be found at: https://www.goldprospectors.org/
By utilizing these resources and references, those interested in the geology of gold and prospecting can gain a deeper understanding of the science and techniques involved, as well as the locations around the world that offer rich opportunities for exploration and discovery.


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Essential Gold Prospecting Equipment

Gold prospecting is the process of searching for gold deposits in the earth using various tools and equipment. The following is a list of essential equipment needed for gold prospecting:

  • Panning kit - A panning kit is a must-have tool for gold prospecting. It consists of a pan, a sieve, and a scoop. The pan is used to wash soil and gravel to separate the gold from other minerals.

  • Metal detector - A metal detector is used to locate gold deposits below the surface of the earth. A good quality metal detector will make the process of gold prospecting much easier and more efficient.

  • Shovel and pick - A shovel and pick are used to dig up soil and rocks in search of gold deposits.

  • Classifier - A classifier is a device used to separate larger rocks and debris from soil and gravel. This helps to minimize the amount of material that needs to be washed in the pan.

  • Crevice tool - A crevice tool is a narrow, pointed tool used to probe crevices and cracks in rocks for gold deposits.

  • Dredge - A dredge is a powered underwater vacuum that is used to extract gold from rivers and streams.

  • Highbanker - A highbanker is a large sluice box that is used to wash soil and gravel in search of gold deposits.

  • Sluice box - A sluice box is a long, narrow box that is used to separate gold from soil and gravel. The material is washed through the sluice box and the gold is trapped in ridges or "riffles" along the bottom of the box.

In conclusion, these are the essential tools and equipment needed for gold prospecting. It is important to note that some states and countries may have regulations regarding the use of certain equipment, so it is important to research and understand the regulations in your area before starting your gold prospecting adventure.

Gold Prospecting Clubs on the East Coast of the United States

If you're an enthusiast of gold prospecting, the East Coast of the United States offers plenty of opportunities for you to explore and possibly strike gold. Joining a gold prospecting club is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences. Here are some of the best gold prospecting clubs on the East Coast of the United States.

  • Eastern Gold Prospectors Association (EGPA) - This club serves the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The EGPA holds regular meetings, outings, and gold hunts, as well as provides educational programs for its members.

  • Southern Prospectors Association (SPA) - This club serves the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The SPA organizes gold hunts, outings, and educational programs for its members, and also provides access to exclusive gold prospecting sites.

  • New England Prospectors Association (NEPA) - This club serves the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The NEPA holds regular meetings, gold hunts, and outings, and also offers a variety of educational programs for its members.

  • Maryland Gold Prospectors Association (MGPA) - This club is based in Maryland and serves the surrounding states. The MGPA holds regular meetings, outings, and gold hunts, and also provides access to exclusive gold prospecting sites.

  • Georgia Gold Prospectors Association (GGPA) - This club serves the state of Georgia and holds regular meetings, gold hunts, and outings, as well as educational programs for its members.

By joining a gold prospecting club, you'll have access to experienced gold prospectors who can provide valuable advice, help you improve your skills, and share their knowledge of the best gold-bearing sites. Whether you're a seasoned gold prospector or just starting out, these clubs offer a great way to make the most of your gold prospecting experience.

Here are also some of the best national gold prospecting clubs in the United States:

  • The Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA)
  • The American Mining Rights Association (AMRA)
  • The Miners Xchange
  • The New 49'ers
  • The Gold Prospectors of Colorado

These organizations provide resources, support, and events for gold prospectors, as well as promoting responsible mining practices and protecting prospectors' rights.


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