Panning For Gold: Pan Or No Pan?

Gold panning is a fun hobby that can also be profitable if you get lucky. The basic principle behind gold panning is that gold is heavy, so if you load a pan with gold-bearing gravel and sand, and agitate it in water, the gold will sink to the bottom while lighter material is washed away. You can then use tweezers or a sniffer bottle to extract the gold.

While it's unlikely you'll get rich from gold panning, it's a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise. You'll need some basic equipment, including a pan, waterproof boots, and digging tools. You'll also need to find a stream or river where gold has been found before.

So, do you need a gold pan to pan for gold? Well, yes—that's why it's called gold panning! But don't worry, you can buy gold pans online or from a hardware store, and they're not too expensive.

Gold panning equipment

Gold panning is a fun hobby that can even make you some money if you're lucky. It doesn't require a lot of equipment, and most of it is easily available online or at hardware stores.

The most important piece of equipment you'll need is, of course, a gold pan. There are different types of gold pans, but they all work, so don't spend too much time worrying about getting the perfect one. You can buy gold pans on eBay or from gold panning supply stores.

You'll also need a sniffer bottle to suck up the little bits of gold from your pan, and a classifier (or sieve/strainer) to strain out larger rocks and keep them out of your pan. These can also be purchased online or at a hardware store.

In addition to gold panning equipment, you'll also need some standard outdoor adventure gear, such as waterproof boots, warm socks, warm clothes, a first aid kit, drinking water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.

If you're serious about gold panning, you might also want to invest in a sluice or a highbanker sluice. A sluice is an open-ended box with vertical metal riffles that you can use to process more material faster than you could with a gold pan alone. A highbanker sluice uses a pump to force water through the sluice, allowing for more even water flow and the ability to use it away from natural waterways.

Finally, you'll need to find a good location to pan for gold. Look for streams or rivers where gold has been found in the past, and pick a spot with a slow current that's at least six inches deep.

Gold panning techniques

Gold panning is a simple method of separating particles of greater specific gravity, especially gold, from soil or gravel by washing them in a pan with water. Here are some techniques and tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Equipment:

• Start with waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and warm socks for comfort.
• Select a gold pan that suits your needs; there are various types available, and they all work effectively.
• A sniffer bottle is essential for sucking up small bits of gold from your pan.
• A classifier or sieve is optional but can help strain out larger rocks and gravel.
• Digging tools like shovels and spades are necessary for collecting pay dirt and cracking crevasses.
• A small plastic pail or container is useful for collecting concentrates and carrying them back home for further panning.
• Gloves, including rugged leather and rubber pairs, will protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and cold water.
• Tweezers are handy for picking out larger gold bits, and a glass or plastic bottle can be used for storage.
• Don't forget to bring essential outdoor gear like a first aid kit, warm clothes, drinking water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.

Find a Suitable Panning Location:

• Choose a stream or river with a history of producing placer gold; it's unlikely you'll find undiscovered deposits in previously panned areas.
• Opt for a spot with a slow current, deep enough to submerge your pan, and clear water that allows you to see what you're doing.
• Look for areas where the water slows down, such as the inside of bends or behind large rocks, as gold is heavier and more likely to settle in these places.
• Ensure you have permission to pan on private property or check for restrictions on public land.

Digging and Classifying Pay Dirt:

• Find a likely spot to dig your pay dirt, usually where the water slows down or near large rocks.
• Use a classifier to strain out larger rocks, keeping only the smaller gravel and dirt that is more likely to contain gold.
• Classifying under water is more effective, and you can discard the big rocks retained in the classifier.

Panning Your Pay Dirt:

• Agitate the material in your pan with water to stratify it, aiming to have the heaviest substances, like gold, settle at the bottom, and the lighter substances wash away.
• Move the pan so that the water washes away the lighter material without pouring out the gold.
• Periodically stop washing and re-agitate the material to ensure the gold stays at the bottom.
• Eventually, you should be left with heavy black sand and, hopefully, some gold.

Separating Gold from Black Sand:

• Raise the pan out of the water, leaving about an inch of water, and swirl the contents slowly to check for larger nuggets.
• If using a plastic pan, a magnet can be used to separate black sand, which is magnetic, from the gold.
• Use a sniffer bottle to suck up the remaining gold, being careful not to lose any.
• Pour the gold into a storage vial or container.

Gold panning is a fun and rewarding activity that can lead to some exciting finds. Remember to practice and develop your own techniques as you go!

Where to pan for gold

Gold panning is a fun activity that can be done in many places. Gold is often found in rivers, creeks, and streams, so these are good places to start looking. When prospecting in a river, look for both fast and slow-moving water, as well as bends in the river where gold can get trapped. Gold is also found where two rivers or streams come together, known as a "confluence zone".

In the United States, there are several states known for their gold deposits. California, Alaska, Arizona, and Georgia are some of the most popular destinations for gold panning. Within these states, there are specific locations that are known for their gold-bearing potential. For example, in California, the Jamestown area near Yosemite National Park is a good option. In Georgia, the Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega offers gold panning as part of their Underground Adventure Tour.

There are also several sites across the country that offer gold panning experiences for a small fee. These include the Alabama Gold Camp in Lineville, Alabama; the Broken Boot Gold Mine in Deadwood, South Dakota; the Cache Creek Prospecting Site near Granite, Colorado; and the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area near Libby, Montana.

Remember to always check public land records and get permission from the landowner before panning for gold on private property. Additionally, panning for gold is illegal on US government property, so be sure to avoid streams in national parks.

How to separate gold from other materials

Gold panning is a fun activity that can even be rewarding if you're lucky! It involves separating gold from other materials in a pan of water. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Find a Good Spot

Locate a stream or river where gold has been found previously. Pick a spot along the side with water at least 6 inches deep and a slow current. A spot with large rocks or a fallen tree is ideal as you can sit on them while prospecting.

Gather Your Equipment

You'll need a pan, which can be made of metal or plastic. Plastic pans are better for beginners as they are rust-proof, lightweight, black (making gold easier to see), and often textured with ribs to catch gold. You'll also need a container to store any gold you find, such as a bottle or jar. Other useful items include waterproof boots, warm socks, a classifier (sieve or strainer), digging tools like shovels, a small pail for collecting concentrates, a sniffer bottle for sucking up gold flakes, tweezers, and gloves.

Dig and Classify

Find a likely spot to dig your "pay dirt" and start digging. You can use a classifier to strain out larger rocks, making it easier to spot gold. Fill your pan with gravel and submerge it in the water.

Wash Out Larger Rocks

Shake the pan vigorously back and forth and side to side, being careful not to wash out materials. Then, switch to gentle circular motions to wash away dirt and clay. Roll any roots or moss over the pan to catch any gold-containing dirt. Repeat until only large rocks and heavy concentrates like gold and sand remain.

Wash Out Lighter Sand and Gravel

Hold the pan under the water, tilting it slightly away from you. Swirl the pan from side to side with a slight forward tossing motion, being cautious not to flip the contents. Level the pan flat and shake it back and forth underwater. Repeat this process until only about 2 cups of heavier material remain, which should consist of black sand ("concentrates") and hopefully, gold.

Wash Out Black Sand

Raise the pan out of the water, leaving about an inch of water in it. Tilt the pan towards you and swirl the water and materials slowly in a circle. This helps spot larger nuggets or pieces of gold that can be picked out by hand. Submerge the pan again and repeat the previous steps, being careful not to lose any gold.

Use a Magnet (Optional)

If you have a plastic pan, you can use a magnet to separate black sand from gold. Remove the pan from the water, keeping it as dry as possible. Place a magnet on the bottom side and move it around slowly. Black sand is magnetic and will stick to the magnet, making it easier to remove.

Separate and Store Gold

Pour the remaining black sand and gold into a bottle, preferably using a funnel. If you find larger nuggets, place them in your storage container. Congratulations, you've just panned for gold!

Other Methods to Separate Gold:

Gold is often found mixed with other metals like silver, and separating them can be a challenge. Here are some alternative methods:

• Burning/Exposing to High Heat: This method involves burning or exposing materials to high heat to "burn off" non-metallic substances, leaving the metal behind. This is best done by qualified precious metals refineries as the by-products can be toxic.
• Miller Process: This process involves blowing chlorine through molten gold to achieve gold purity of up to 99.5%. The impurities form chlorides that float on the molten gold.
• Wohlwill Process: This electrolytic process produces the highest purity gold (99.999%). It uses pure gold for the cathode and chloroauric acid as the electrolyte.
• Acidless Separation (ALS): This method is used to pre-refine doré and jewelry alloys with high silver content. The metals are separated by distillation.
• Cupellation: This process removes gold and silver from mixtures containing lead and other metals, but it cannot separate silver from gold.
• Ancient Methods: In the ancient world, gold and silver were separated by salt cementation, where gold foil or granules were mixed with common salt and heated in a sealed container.

Gold panning as a hobby

Gold panning is a fun outdoor hobby that can be done alone or with friends and family. It is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while also learning about geology and history.

Gold panning is the simple process of extracting gold from a placer deposit using a pan. It is one of the simplest ways to extract gold and is popular due to its low cost and relative simplicity. Panning for gold can be done in streams, rivers, or old mining sites, and it does not require a lot of equipment. All you really need is a pan, though other tools can be helpful.

To get started, find a stream or river where gold has been found before. Pick a spot along the side of the stream or river with water that is at least 6 inches deep and has a slow current. Fill your pan with gravel and submerge it in the water. Shake the pan vigorously and then use a gentle circular motion to wash away the lighter dirt, sand, or clay. Repeat this process several times until you are left with only the heaviest materials, such as gold and black sand, in your pan.

Gold panning can be done as a hobby or for profit. It is unlikely that you will get rich from panning for gold, but you may find small amounts of gold that can be sold. Gold panning is also a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. You may even discover some interesting historical sites or learn about the geology of the area.

Gold panning clubs and organizations are a great way to learn more about the hobby and connect with other gold panners. These groups can provide guidance, tips, and advice on the best places to pan for gold. They often offer group outings and can be a fun way to meet new people with similar interests.

So, if you're looking for a fun outdoor hobby that combines a bit of exercise, a chance to find some gold, and an opportunity to learn about history and geology, gold panning may be just the hobby for you!

Frequently asked questions