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An ounce of gold in 2022 is worth approximately $1,700. As one of the most precious metals on earth, stumbling on placer deposits is anyone’s dream.
When you hear the term ‘gold prospectors’, many people think of the ’49 gold rush to California. Gold panning is quintessential American West, with ideas of nostalgia, cowboys, and gold miners.
However, gold prospectors still hold meaningful careers today. Mining areas are still big business in certain areas of the United States!
If you’ve ever been interested in what gold prospectors do, we’ve got you covered. We’ve assembled a guide to gold panning, mining areas, placer deposits, and so much more.
What is Prospecting?
When it comes to gold prospecting and its equipment, you can find more here. But at its core, gold prospectors search out gold minerals in different mining areas.
Traditionally, gold panning was difficult manual labor. Rivers and streams wash sediment, particles, and minerals downstream. As water flows over rocks containing gold, the minerals erode and wash downstream.
This creates gold deposits that appear in river sediment. Gold panning in the American West involved crouching for hours in shallow riverbeds, swishing water and sediment out of a tin pan.
Anyone who found gold struck it rich. Of course, in American history, the story is a little more complicated. Many people did find gold.
Out of the thousands who migrated to California during the initial rush, few struck it rich. Merchants mostly benefited from the rush.
Working as Gold Prospectors
People who are interested in working as gold prospectors should know that it’s not a pursuit for nostalgia Old West cosplayers. Instead, it takes a deep knowledge of geology, geography, and natural patterns.
Gold is found in lode and placer deposits, not simply in waterbeds. Instead, it can be found in rocks, beaches, sediment collections, and more.
The United States is now heavily populated. However, there are still plenty of places where gold may be found. Often, it depends on how carefully gold prospectors choose to study mining records, the geology of popular mining areas, and more.
The Geological Survey can employ gold prospectors in order to mark gold-producing areas in the United States. This knowledge is also valuable to geological agencies, too. The U.S. Bureau of Mines is still a functioning agency, too.
Gold prospectors often serve as trailblazers. They journey into some of the most remote areas of the U.S. Working as a gold prospector means that you also serve as a:
- Geologist
- Forest ranger
- Cartographer
- Survivalist
- And more
Gold prospector isn’t a common career anymore! But if you enjoy adventure and science, it may be a great idea for you.
Gold Prospectors in the Modern Age
In today’s society, gold prospectors often journey off the beaten path. After all, most people don’t have the knowledge or time to seek gold. But if you’re interested in enjoying nature and benefiting from your time outdoors, it may be perfect.
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