"The Legacy of Legendary Treasure Hunts: From Kit Williams' Masquerade to Forrest Fenn's Epic Chase"

 Crypto millionaire John Collins-Black, a California man, hid more than $2,000,000 in 5 boxes across the United States.

It wasn't the first treasure hunt of its kind. Back in 1979, British author Kit Williams published "Masquerade," a children's book filled with riddles that led readers to a hidden golden rabbit. This prized treasure was found three years later, though reportedly with the aid of insider information.

Fast forward to 1982, and Byron Preiss introduced "The Secret," a quest to discover 12 treasure boxes. Clues were embedded in cryptic verses with lines like, "Thucydides is/North of Xenophon/Take five steps/In the area of his direction." Despite Preiss' passing in 2005, only three of these treasure boxes have been found to date, as reported by the Boston Globe. Several other treasure hunts followed, including one for a golden owl.

Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt, however, stood out due to its widespread appeal. The hunt offered an estimated prize of $1 million to $2 million, making it an enticing pursuit. Moreover, the accompanying poem made the challenge seem accessible and solvable for everyday individuals, according to Jenny Kile, who runs a website dedicated to tracking such treasure hunts.

Over time, the hunt attracted thousands of hopefuls seeking life-changing fortunes, scouring locations in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. For many, it offered a sense of community and a purpose-driven adventure, especially in places like Yellowstone. Yet for some, it became an obsession.

In a 2021 study, psychology professor Alan King wrote, "Amateur treasure hunting has evolved into a distinctive American subculture, typified by the Fenn chase community." He discovered that most participants found the intellectual or emotional rewards of the chase to be more valuable than the “likely unattainable goal, with its associated risks."

For more on the story, see Crypto millionaire's $2M fortune sparks hunt for hidden treasure

       John Collins-Black - the man who has created a treasure hunt around the United States.

Underwater Archaeologists Uncover Gold and Silver Ritual Treasures in Sunken Egyptian Temple

Tools of the Temple

Underwater archaeologists have made an incredible discovery off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, where they unearthed a sunken temple, and a sanctuary filled with ancient treasures. The temple, dedicated to the god Amun, partially collapsed during a cataclysmic event in the mid-second century B.C. This temple was of great importance, as pharaohs visited it to receive their titles of power from Amun, the supreme god of the ancient Egyptian pantheon, according to the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).

Located in the ancient port city of Thonis-Heracleion, now submerged and about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from Egypt's modern-day coast, the temple was destroyed when a major earthquake and tidal waves caused the land to liquefy and sink into the Nile delta.

During their exploration, archaeologists uncovered a wealth of treasures, including silver ritual instruments, gold jewelry, and alabaster containers once used for perfumes and unguents. Additionally, divers found well-preserved wooden posts and beams dating back to the fifth century B.C.

Franck Goddio, president of IEASM and the French underwater archaeologist leading the excavations, expressed his amazement at the discovery, saying, "It is extremely moving to discover such delicate objects, which survived intact despite the violence and magnitude of the cataclysm."

East of the temple, archaeologists discovered a Greek sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This sanctuary contained numerous artifacts, including imported bronze and ceramic objects, illustrating that Greeks who traded and settled in the city during the time of the Pharaohs had their own sanctuaries.

The sanctuary also housed a cache of Greek weapons, suggesting that Greek mercenaries were present in the region to defend the access to the Kingdom at the mouth of the Nile's Canopic branch.

Unveiling Ancient Wealth: Japanese Coins Discovered in Rare Hoard

Japanese and Chinese coins can have square holes in the center.

Stacks of Japanese coin bundles were recently found in Japan. Lying on straw woven mats, these coins have square holes in the middle indicating where a string bound them together.

Archaeologists in Maebashi, a city approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Tokyo, have discovered an enormous cache of about 100,000 coins. This significant find occurred during excavations ahead of the construction of a factory, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun.

So far, only 334 coins have been examined. The oldest among them originates from China, dating back to 175 B.C., while the most recent is from A.D. 1265. The hoard comprises 1,060 bundles, each containing roughly 100 coins. The oldest coin bears the Chinese inscription "Banliang," which translates to "half ounce" and was commonly used in China about 2,200 years ago, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Ethan Segal, an associate professor of history at Michigan State University who was not involved with the discovery, states that numerous coin hoards have been found throughout Japan. These hoards, mainly from Japan's medieval period (13th to 16th centuries), have been unearthed in various locations across the archipelago. Of note, this period (13th to 16 centuries) is a time when many hoards of coins, particularly in Great Britain, have been found all over the world.

Japan began producing its own metal currency in the late seventh century, inspired by Chinese coins with square holes. This design allowed people to string together large amounts of coins, typically 100 per string. Online images of the hoard reveal many coins featuring these square holes.

Segal noted that Japan ceased minting its coins in the mid-10th century due to economic changes and a scarcity of copper ore. Consequently, Chinese coins were sometimes used instead. Segal speculates that many of the uncovered coins may belong to the Northern Song dynasty (960 to 1127). After the Northern Song was overrun by the Jurchen in the early 12th century, their coins lost value, making them more likely to be used for purchasing goods abroad.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Gold Dry Washer: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospectors

A modern dry washer much easier to use than mine.

This article unveils the workings of a dry washer, an invention so simple yet brilliant that even the average reader can appreciate its ingenuity. The dry washer, reminiscent of a medieval or renaissance machine, could even be mistaken for a device of torture!

The Hopper Box

At the top of the machine is a hopper box, covered with a 1/4-inch screen through which dirt is thrown. Each shovelful is "classified" into material free of rocks or pebbles larger than a quarter inch. Weeds and organic matter are also filtered out. I always examine the rocks that fall off after each shovel full to ensure I haven't missed a colossal gold nugget.

Despite classifying tons of material over the years, I've yet to find such a nugget, though I still dream about it! Many people use metal detectors to scan the rocks that pile up in front of the machine, adding real meaning to the phrase "gold is precious." There is a sheet metal chute at the top that guides the rocks away from the machine to prevent them from piling up at the legs. At the back of the hopper is a rod that, when pulled, opens a trap door to allow material to fall onto a riffle box.

The Riffle Box

A riffle box is essentially a rectangular tray with small rails periodically placed across it to slow down the material being jostled through. A bellows below drives up and down, tapping the box and blowing air against and through the cloth that forms the riffle box bottom. This process helps separate gold from other materials because gold is 19 times heavier than water. When gold hits a riffle, it sinks and stops. By the time the material reaches the bottom riffle, 98% of the gold flakes are trapped behind the riffles, or so claim most commercial dry washer manufacturers.

Once only the material behind the riffles is left, it's time to empty the riffle box, as this dirt contains the gold. A bar that straddles the riffle box, holding it in place when down then allows it to be removed when up.

Automatic vs. Manual Dry Washers

Most modern dry washers are equipped with electric motors to drive the bellows. They are often made of lightweight aviation aluminum with folding legs, hoppers, and riffle boxes for portability. My dry washer, however, is manually cranked. While this means I don't need a battery and motor, the downside is that it's heavier and doesn't fold up, making it cumbersome in rough terrain.

Despite these challenges, I find my dry washer useful. It cost around $200 compared to the $500-$600 price tag of motorized versions. There are pros and cons to everything. Sometimes, I carry buckets of dirt from the dig site to my parked truck to process the material. This method has saved my wife's roses from the massive dirt piles I used to create in the backyard when panning at home.

The V-Shape Design

The V-shape design of the machine enhances the flow of dirt. Some people find it odd, but I initially thought the noise and bellows motion made it look like it was about to take off! The pulley and belt drive connects to a crank lever under the bellows, pushing it up and down. Adjusting the shaft at the hopper controls the dirt feed onto the riffle box.

Gold Blasts Off

With gold selling at around $2700 an ounce (Jan 2024), more people are interested in collecting gold placer flakes. These enthusiasts prefer digging riverbeds, streams, dry washes, ancient waterways, and arroyos where gold flakes have been deposited. 

For those who enjoy outdoor exercise, camaraderie in a club, and a bit of gold fever, I recommend finding a local treasure hunting club. Google GPAA to find clubs in every U.S. state. While GPAA has the most clubs, there are unaffiliated clubs, too. As for curing gold fever—I haven't found a remedy yet!

The Keene 160 Mini Dry Washer

One intriguing rather new dry washer is the Keene 160 Mini, combining a dry washer and high banker into one compact unit weighing 29 pounds. This is a game-changer for those with respiratory issues, as it offers a dustless operation, making it ideal for prospectors with asthma. Although I can't afford it, I was impressed when I saw it in action at gold mining shows.

Coloma CA Gold Panning Adventure: Discovering the Rich History and Hidden Treasures

 

Coloma Gold Panning Adventure

In August 2011, I embarked on a three-day trip outside of Arizona to celebrate my father-in-law's 90th birthday in California's Central Valley. But I wondered, what else could I do with my time there?

The answer was obvious — exploring the very place where the 1848 gold rush began. James W. Marshall's discovery of gold in the Coloma-Lotus Valley while building a sawmill set off a historic event. His partner, John Sutter, also established Sutter's Fort, which later became the site of Sacramento, California's state capital.

Journey Through Gold Rush Towns

Traveling north, we passed through the scenic Sierra Foothills, adorned with rolling, oak-dotted hills. This picturesque region attracts history buffs and camping enthusiasts. The charming towns of Mariposa, Coulterville, Sonora, Columbia, Angels Camp, Sutter Creek, Placerville, and Coloma were once bustling hubs for 19th-century gold prospectors.

A Free Spot to Pan for Gold

As a gold prospector in Arizona for two years, my curiosity about finding gold on vacation was piqued. The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park in Coloma, CA, offers a fantastic, free location for gold panning. We drove north from Southern California, following Interstate 5, U.S. 50, and CA-193 to CA-49.

Exploring Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park

Approaching the park, Cold Springs Road intersects with CA-49, forming an L-shaped route. The park boasts numerous attractions, including the gold discovery museum, the mill site, and Marshall's cabin.

Fourth graders frequently visit this park to learn about California and U.S. history. They can explore Beakeart's Gun Shop, rent trough mining equipment and gold pans, and see Sutter's sawmill replica.

Important Visitor Information

The visitor center, located next to the gun shop, has ample parking. A helpful ranger directed us to the Mt. Murphy Road bridge, where gold panning is permitted on the northeast shore of the American River. Only hands and pans are allowed for digging, no other tools. We parked near the bridge for convenience.

A marked trail leads from the roadside to the shore, where you can find a suitable panning spot. We chose an area with tall grass and large rocks, opting to pan material from the bank rather than underwater. After about 45-minute intervals of panning, my wife and I took breaks, enjoying visits from friendly ducks.

My Gold Panning Experience

After two hours, I struck gold—literally! On the downstream side of a big rock, I found a tiny flake and a piece of quartz with a small flake attached. The thrill of discovery and the beauty of the outdoors made it worthwhile, even if the find was small. We spent nearly five hours panning and encountered only one other family group.

Marshall Monument, on the park's southwest side, offers clear views and the soothing sound of the river. Nearby attractions include Marshall Cabin and the Jail Ruins, all accessible with a detailed map.

Relaxing and Reasonable

This two-day trip was a budget-friendly getaway. Despite gasoline prices, we found a hotel room for $59. The park's attractions stretch over a mile along the road. If you're seeking a relaxing vacation spot with a chance to pan for gold, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park is perfect. And who knows, you might just find a big nugget!

For more park information, see Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

How Much Is a Gold Bar Worth in 2024? Key Factors and Market Insights

 

The value of a gold bar fluctuates based on its size and the spot price of gold, which was $2,397.50 per troy ounce as of July 24. 

The price of a gold bar on December 21, 2023, was $2720.16. The lowest gold price in the U.S. in December 2024 was $2590.67 per ounce, and the highest gold price was $2718.13.per ounce. 

Here are some typical values for gold bars:

• 400-troy ounce bar: Weighs 27.4 pounds and is worth approximately $959,000.

• Kilobar: Weighs 32.15 troy ounces and is worth about $77,080.

• 100-troy ounce bar: Worth about $239,750.

Physical gold can be costly to trade due to significant spreads, making it less ideal for investment. Instead, gold ETFs or investing in gold mining stocks are recommended for minimizing costs and gaining fair market value. These methods avoid the high transaction costs and security issues associated with owning physical gold bars.

Key Points:

• Gold's Value: Depends on size and the dynamic spot price.

• Investment Costs: High spreads and security costs for physical gold.

• Preferred Investment Methods: Gold ETFs and mining stocks offer better value.

For a lot more information, see https://www.usgoldbureau.com/content/gold-bar-sizes

"Historic Discovery: Central China Unearths $83 Billion Gold Reserve, World's Largest"

 A massive gold deposit containing approximately 1,000 metric tons of high-quality ore has been discovered in central China. Valued at around $83 billion, this discovery could surpass the South Deep mine in South Africa as the largest gold reserve. The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province found 40 gold veins within 2 kilometers depth in Pingjiang County, potentially holding 300 metric tons of gold, with further reserves possible at 3 kilometers depth. Core samples reveal extraordinarily high gold content, up to 138 grams per metric ton. This discovery boosts China's already dominant position in the global gold market, driving up gold prices amid global uncertainty. Experts are divided on whether we have reached "peak gold," but the Hunan find suggests we may not have exhausted viable reserves yet.

For more, see https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/china-discovers-massive-78-billion-gold-deposit-in-hunan-province/ar-AA1v8aEJ?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Uncovering the Secrets of Placer Gold: A Guide for Amateur Prospectors

The Thrill of the Hunt

Discovering gold can be an exhilarating experience. Many novice prospectors often start their journey by digging near a bank at a known gold claim, hoping to strike it rich. However, after a few attempts, it becomes clear that there is more to finding gold than just digging randomly. The good news is that with a bit of knowledge and strategy, your chances of success can significantly improve.

Understanding Placer Deposits

Placer deposits are concentrations of heavy minerals, like gold, that have been transported and deposited by water. These deposits are classified into four main types: residual, eluvial, alluvial, and marine placers. Each type forms under different conditions, providing unique opportunities for prospectors.

1. Residual Placers: These are formed from the weathering of primary gold sources. They are typically found near the original lode and are characterized by gold particles that have not traveled far.

2. Eluvial Placers: These deposits result from the weathering and gravity separation of gold from its source, typically found on hillsides or slopes.

3. Alluvial Placers: These are the most common type, formed by the action of running water in rivers and streams. Alluvial placers are often found in riverbeds, floodplains, and ancient river channels.

4. Marine Placers: Formed by oceanic processes, these deposits are found along coastlines and in offshore locations, where wave action and currents have concentrated gold particles.

Reading the Stream: Where to Look for Gold

Gold’s density plays a crucial role in its deposition. Weighing 19 times more than an equivalent volume of water and about six times heavier than most other materials carried by water, gold tends to settle in areas where the current slows down.

Key Locations to Prospect

1. Obstructions in the Water:

   • Large Boulders: Look downstream from large rocks in the stream. The slowed water flow behind these boulders creates eddies where gold flakes settle.

   • Fallen Trees: The downstream side of large tree trunks in dry riverbeds can also trap gold. Digging around tree roots can yield small gold flakes, but it's essential to avoid damaging the trees.

2. Inside Bends:

   • As streams flow from higher elevations to lower ones, they create bends. On the inside of these bends, the water slows down, dropping heavier materials like gold. The accumulation of sand, gravel, and other heavy materials forms bars, making inside bends prime locations for gold prospecting.

3. Crevices and Bedrock:

   • As gold flakes travel downstream, they can get trapped in cracks and crevices in the bedrock. Look for areas where the bedrock is exposed and examine any cracks or depressions that might catch gold particles.

4. False Bedrock:

   • In places like Arizona, composite rock or "false bedrock" can act as a barrier. Gold flakes often settle on this layer, which can be uncovered by carefully removing the overlaying material.

Essential Gear for Amateur Prospectors

Prospecting for gold doesn’t require a huge investment in equipment. A basic setup includes:

• A gold pan

• Buckets

• A tub to hold water

• A whisk brush

• A snuffer bottle

This minimal gear allows you to start searching for gold without breaking the bank. Joining a prospecting club can also provide access to established claims and valuable knowledge from experienced members.

Practical Tips for Efficient Prospecting

1. Sampling:

   • Before committing to a location, take small samples and pan them to see if there is any gold present. This can save you time and effort by focusing your digging on the most promising spots.

2. Time Management:

   • Prospecting can be time-consuming, and many hobbyists have limited time to dedicate to it. Efficiently sample potential sites to maximize your gold recovery.

3. Handling Material:

   • Once you identify a good spot, gather material and bring it back to your campsite for panning. Consider bringing concentrates or "dirt" home to pan at your leisure.

4. Protecting the Environment:

   • Always fill in your holes after digging, especially near trees, to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations on federal claims.

Grass as a Natural Gold Trap

Grass can act as a natural trap for fine gold flakes, especially at inside bends of streams. The roots of the grass catch small particles of gold, making these spots worth investigating.

Joining a Gold Prospecting Club

Joining a gold prospecting club can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Access to proven gold-bearing claims

• Shared knowledge and tips from experienced prospectors

• Opportunities to prospect in groups, enhancing safety and learning

Conclusion

By understanding the natural processes that concentrate gold and learning to read the landscape, amateur prospectors can significantly improve their chances of finding placer gold. Armed with basic equipment and the right knowledge, you can embark on a rewarding and potentially lucrative adventure in gold prospecting.

Mastering Fine Gold Recovery: The Ultimate Guide to Using a Blue Bowl Concentrator"

The Blue Bowl Concentrator, known for its durability due to having no moving parts, is a favorite tool among prospectors.

Separating the Fines

The phrase "separating the wheat from the chaff" aptly describes the challenge of gold prospecting: extracting gold from iron or black sand concentrates can be tedious. The Blue Bowl makes this process more manageable.

Chester once quoted Robert Service, saying, "It isn’t the gold that I’m wanting so much as just finding the gold." This sentiment captures the essence of prospecting.

Waterpower is Precious, Like Gold

Water pumped into the Blue Bowl creates a swirling action that separates lighter material, allowing gold to settle at the bottom. The bowl, similar to a bundt cake pan, sits on a bucket to collect drained water and black sand.

To ensure the bowl is level, I use a concrete paver and adjust as needed. A recirculating pump, powered by a 12-volt battery, can be handy in the field, particularly in dry areas.

The Physics of It

Leveling the bowl is crucial for efficient operation. Gravity ensures the heavier gold stays at the base, while the water flow lifts lighter materials. A valve allows for fine adjustments to control this process.

Finer Can Be Easier

Classifying your material to 30 or 50 mesh can make separation more efficient. Use a garden hose or a pump to introduce water and add concentrates to a full bowl before starting the flow.

Jet Dry: A Small Addition with Big Impact

Adding a little Jet Dry or dish detergent to the water reduces surface tension, preventing fine gold from floating away.

Patience Pays Off

Running water slowly for a longer period helps in capturing tiny gold specks. Use a snuffer bottle to collect gold, then transfer it to a vial using suction tweezers.

The Small Stuff

Terms like oat gold, fine gold, and micron gold refer to the tiniest particles of gold. These small-scale prospectors' tools, like the Blue Bowl, make the process of recovering gold from pay dirt much easier.

Gold Prospecting Adventures: Discovering Hidden Treasures in Culverts, Crevices, and Old Mines

1. Culverts:

One of my favorite places to find gold is in culverts. In case you are not familiar, a culvert is a metal tube running under the road or used to divert water. I try to select culverts that may contain placer gold by considering their location. A good spot would be a place near the mountains, especially rocky mineralized mountains containing iron oxide and quartz. Iron oxide is just rust, and it shows up in rock as reddish.

Why this combination? Iron and quartz have a similar melting point. It's ironic that when looking for gold, you may also be looking for something usually considered less than worthless. Culverts typically have ripples inside, which help to slow down water. These ripples are similar to riffles on a sluice. The valleys are where heavier materials like gold will settle.

To properly search a culvert, I outfit myself with a brush (in my case, a car-wash brush), a bucket, and a narrow trowel. Don't forget to bring water. And while I'm at it, be careful. Critters have been known to take up residence in these culverts. Inspect them before you leap. Centipedes and scorpions enjoy living in them, too. In my experience in Arizona, I have crawled into culverts and begun to clean, only to find a spider crawling on the back of my neck. There were quite a few webs suspended at the very top upon inspection. So, look above you.

Rodents have also been known to take up residence. For this reason, it is recommended that you wear a mask. In some situations, rodent waste can be stirred up, aerosolized, and inhaled, resulting in a very nasty infection, possibly even death. In the Four Corners area of Arizona, the presence of hantavirus is publicly advertised when in "season." This virus is not as common in other Arizona areas.

Another tip that can make your prospecting more enjoyable is bringing a kneeling pad or board to rest your knees. Those steel ripples are rough on your body, especially your knees. The riffles are narrow, so your body weight exerting force down on that small, raised metal edge can get old in a hurry. Without a pad, you probably aren't going to want to clean out more than one short culvert. Knee guards work too.

2. Crevices

My all-time favorite place to find gold is in crevices. I love to go to a club claim where bedrock is in a stream bed and start to crack open those fissures. A 3-foot post hole digging bar is satisfactory for opening most cracks. Some people prefer a 6-foot bar, but that is a lot of iron to wield all day. I had a big one and cut it in half. Now I have two diggers. Perhaps I will break one and then have a replacement. But those diggers are tough to break.

At the time of publication, you could get a post-hole digging bar with a tamper at Harbor Freight for around $30, which is half the price of most stores. If I find wide cracks in the bedrock, I usually work those first. Since they are wider, they have a better chance to collect more gold during seasonal storms.

Once you have cracked the crack, take a trowel and dig out as much material as possible. Sometimes using a thin steel rod with a bend at the end for a bit of a hook can make flipping the material out a bit easier. I make them out of television antenna elements, but you can buy them online. All of this material should be placed in a miner's pan and set aside. Your goal is to fill the pan with material. You can also use a bucket to store your dirty treasure, but usually, I am too eager to see what is in it. I wash and pan the material when the pan is pretty full. It would help if you did this in the beginning to make sure there is gold in the crevice.

If you've been working the crack for quite a while and you don't see any gold, it might be time to move to a new crack. If you find gold, you can fill a bucket with material. I know people who fill buckets of material and go home to pan it.

Like I've said, I get a little impatient. Remember as a kid waiting for Christmas and the presents to be opened? Well, meet Mr. Antsypants. Upon discovering the color, I have even been known to shout, "Eureka." Actually, I usually shout something else, but it isn't appropriate for the present company.

My experience has actually led me to abandon digging holes in dirt and sand to try and find gold. That doesn't mean you can't find it there, but I have had so much success lately finding placer gold in the crevices that I would rather spend my time doing that.

Pro-tip: Always carry a camera with you. Places like Apache Leap near Superior, Arizona, offer breathtaking views and make for great photo opportunities while you're out prospecting.

3. Waterway Banks

Another tip for finding gold that I have had some success with is working the banks of waterways. Bank work can be profitable when prospecting for placer gold. Most folks know that grass grows on the banks of waterways. When in an area known to contain gold, look for grass. Bring a bucket, dig up the grass, and wash it. Grass roots can make a fine barrier for trapping gold, especially small flood gold. I was once at an outing of gold club prospectors, and some members complained that the claim had been worked over and there was no more gold. I went up on the bank where there was grass, started digging and washing, and was all the while gently chided for wasting my time.

Guess who found a little gold when there was enough material to pan? Let's be realistic. If you are in this because you think you will get rich, you're in the wrong business. Enjoy the activity. Enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy the travel. Food always tastes better outside! Enjoy the camaraderie. Finding color is the cherry on the float.

4. Old Mines

One of the most exciting times I ever had was investigating an old mine near where I live. I do not advocate going into the mines. In the 30s, there were many mom-and-pop operations where one or two men (maybe mom) worked a small vein of gold a couple of hundred feet into a rock formation and played out.

The Great Depression saw many men travel west to try to find gold for their families. Arizona is pockmarked by such small operations. Most of the time, there is little shoring or none! At times there is old dynamite that has been left behind. It is enticing but don't mess with it. Some will call me chicken (cheap cheap), but nobody will find you if you wind up in a collapse.

It is estimated that there are somewhere near 100,000 mines in Arizona that have not been sealed off. I am sure other states have mines in similar conditions. When owning gold was outlawed by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, many of these smaller mines were abandoned.

5. Old Ore Piles

Outside the mine, you will often find an ore pile. For me, it came in the form of a highly mineralized red, black, and quartz-colored ore piled up. Pick up the quartz-containing ore and bring it home. Crush it up and pan it.

Another tip: Bring a magnifying glass with you. Inspect any rock walls you are near for speckles of glistening gold. Even if there isn't any gold, looking at the surface of possible gold ore is an adventure in itself. The amplified surface of many rocks is absolutely beautiful. How such intricate material surfaces could be created is a humbling thing to ponder.

Don't forget that many older gold mines are 80 or more years old. Those ore piles have been sitting there through wind, rain, and dirty sandstorms, which degrade the ore. If a vein was missed, some small bits of gold could've washed out and down to the bottom of the pile. I sometimes dig dirt at the very bottom just to see if I can find oat gold. That is, gold that is in its smallest natural form. It frequently looks white and can even float in a pan in this form. Some old-timers I have listened to refer to it as "sugar."

When you have enough, it starts to look yellow. I take a small LED high-intensity light and shine it on the suspect—oat gold shows up golden under a flashlight.

I understand that someone knowledgeable about gold ore would sit on a stool and look through the ore. Ore with gold would be tossed into one pile; tailings went into another. If that is true, they picked through it well. You can find gold in the tailings (I have), but it's limited. Even so, when you crush some quartz and yellow pops out, it is exciting.

When I first encountered my favorite ore pile, it was about 12 feet high and probably the same in diameter. An old 30s-era rusted-out pickup truck was in a ravine where it had fallen. There was also a big, braided steel cable leading from the mine down a hill, no doubt for running stuff.

A year later, when I returned, the ore pile had been taken away, except, the cable was gone, and the truck had been dragged out of the wash.