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.
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