Gold Prospecting in Desert (Dry) Regions

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Gold Prospecting in Dry Regions (Deserts)

Most gold prospecting is done in places where there is flowing water. This does make prospecting easier as the water can do the hard work of separating gold from the other material, when using a gold pan or sluice box. 

Although there are challenges with gold  prospecting in dryer regions, this is not a reason to avoid searching for gold in these types of environments.

Rich gold deposits have formed in dry regions. In this guide, we shall discuss the geological history of dry regions, the erosional forces, and how to use specialized techniques to help improve your chances of finding gold in these environments. 

Reading the Desert

When prospecting for gold in an arid terrain, doing research on the landscape to identify erosion patterns is beneficial.

These old waterways may have transported gold in the past, and trapping some of the heavier pieces of gold and / or forming rich gold deposits in the process.

In order to be successful prospecting in dry regions, you shall need to learn how to interpret the following:

Erosion Signatures:

- Differential Erosion Patterns: 

The way different rock types can erode due to natural weather erosion can provide clear indicators of where to search for gold. 

Look for areas where gold may have become lodged or trapped in the past, such as bedrock fractures, old channels, or areas where water would naturally slow down. 

- Vegetation Lines: 

Plants and soil can be used to identify areas where gold deposits may have formed. For example, in desert environments,  deep-rooted plants like willows or cottonwoods (phreatophytes) often indicate the presence of subsurface water – a clue to ancient channels (waterways) even in dry terrain.

- Cobble Fields: 

Areas with rocks that were shaped by water (water-rounded rocks) far from modern waterways is a clear  signal of ancient river / waterways worth investigating. 

These waterways may have transported gold in the past, allowing gold deposits to forn in channels or bench terraces. 

- Caliche Layers: 

These are soil or sediment layers cemented together that can preserve placer deposits by preventing gold from sinking too deep. These often appear as light-colored, cemented horizons, and are worth investigating for the occurrence of gold. 

Resistant rock formations often indicate bedrock highs where gold may accumulate. Look for areas where softer sediments have eroded away, leaving harder outcrops exposed.

Indicator Minerals:

- Black Sands: 

The presence of black sand is a good indicator of placer gold. Magnetite (magnetic), ilmenite, and hematite share gold's high specific gravity and deposition behavior.

Concentrated black sand layers almost invariably contain gold, even if only fine gold.

- Garnet and Zircon: 

These heavy, durable minerals survive transport with gold. Garnet's deep red crystals and zircon's amber hues in desert sands signal favorable depositional environments.

- Rusty Gold: 

Look for rusty or brown stained rocks for gold content, as desert gold sometimes develops an iron oxide coating, giving it a deceptively ordinary appearance. 

Specialized Tools 

The absence of water demands specialized tools for efficient gold prospecting and recovery.

The table below provides a general overview of the types of tools that shall be useful when prospecting for gold in dry areas.

Table: Tools of the Desert Prospector

RANK	TOOL / EQUIPMENT	EQUIPMENT  EXAMPLE	BEST FOR
1	Metal Detectors	Beginner:  - Minelab Vanquish 440 OR  - Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro Expert:   - Minelab GPZ 7000) penetrate highly mineralized desert soils	Modern gold detectors use tech suitable for targeting  gold nuggets (VLF or PI technology) in the ground in eluvial deposits or course gold in paleochannel surfaces.
2	Dry Washers	These ingenious devices use vibration and air flow to mimic the water, gravity separation technique. Material is fed into a hopper where pulsed air fluidizes the load while vibration stratifies heavies.	Dry regions where there is no presence or access to flowing water. The devices  trap gold (riffles) and dense materials. Modern models feature gas-powered blowers for efficient processing
3	Recirculating Sluice / System	Gold Well Vortex Drop Riffle Sluice Box AND Vmax VDR Sluice Systems	Ideal in regions with limited access to flowing water, or where water conservation is crucial, or even in areas with strict environmental regulations.
4	Crevicing Tools: Ice picks, screwdrivers, and stiff brushes	A cordless shop vacuum proves invaluable for removing loose material from cracks where gold settles	Allow meticulous cleaning of bedrock fractures.
5	Bedrock Scrapers and Chisels	Scraper tool and chisel	For freeing gold embedded in decomposed granite or cemented to rock surfaces where flood forces have pressed particles into crevices.

A Strategy for Desert Prospecting

1. Start with Research: 

Check historical mining records and geological survey maps for old mining activity. Miners in the past may have overlooked bench gold deposits in favour of working easier stream placers. Rich gold deposits may have formed and remained undiscovered.

2. Sample Methodically:

Sample methodically until you identify areas with a concentration of black sand. Do more sampling in these areas  to check for changes in gold particle shape and size until you find the areas with the greatest concentration of gold.

3. Bench Testing:

   - Clear overburden to expose stratified layers;
   - Sample each layer separately down to bedrock;
   - Pan-test concentrates at each level; and
   - Map gold concentration peaks vertically and laterally.

4. Dry Wash Sampling Grids: 

Using sampling grids with holes every 20-50 yards can be helpful to identify the most lucrative area to recover gold. 

Keep a record of the results to identify pay streaks or gold concentration spots.

Safety in Desert Environments 

When prospecting in arid or desert regions always remember to take certain safety precautions:

- Hydration Systems: Carry sufficient water for the time you intend to spend in the region, and ideally include electrolyte supplements.
- Temperature Management: Use shade canopies, where possible, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. 

Got questions? Drop them below!

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Gold is found where it's been found before. With the right tools, equipment, and knowledge, you shall improve your prospects of finding the precious metal

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