A W Jackson Mr

Streams of Gold: a Beginning Prospectors Guide to Alluvial Deposits A W Jackson Mr

Whenever I view the Internet and read what is purported to be a guide, or some form of assistance to the beginning prospector, I read comments about floods, bedrock, the gold trail, gravel bars, along with other random comments and opinions which infer to certain constants relating to the deposition of gold. I find the information supplied to be somewhat incorrect, very insufficient, sometimes misleading and other times occasionally responsible. The beginning prospector is definitely faced with a dilemma if trying to sift thought all the information that is available over the Internet nowadays. STREAMS OF GOLD, amongst other things, considers and discusses - ? The gravel bar - I don't believe a low pressure or slowing of the stream is capable of piling such a magnificent mass of alluvium that increases in stature as it backs away from the stream. There must be stronger forces at work? ? The ideal location to begin your search is where gold has previously been found, though correct, this comment delivers the impression, "You are where the gold is so dig and enjoy"? From this location you must search for an indication of its presence, if you are fortunate enough to locate it begin your search in earnest. ? Sampling a stream is a chore, not an enjoyable task if it is managed correctly. ? If you have sampled successfully there must be further favourable sites than the renowned inside bend or point bar? ? The 'Gold Trail', inside bend to inside bend? If your gold creeps along the stream bed how does it negotiated such a maize of obstruction. If it is transported by suspension, why isn't the trail outside bend to outside bend? Or is there more to consider. The stream is very turbulent and dangerous during times of flood and the secondary currents created are of a very savage temperament? ? Does any beginning prospector understand how his gold finds its resting site or is it just common knowledge that certain sites are better than others. ? Why does the gold detector appear to locate gold away from the favourable or known deposition sites within a stream? ? What part does the stream play in the deposition of gold? ? Does the stream realise the distinction between gold and any other alluvium in its control? ? Why should Mother Nature treat gold any different to quartzite or ironstone and does she realise the difference, or is all just another slave of the stream? When I first began my quest 40 odd years ago I believed the inside bend, or point bar of a stream was the best location to find gold. I met an 'Old Time Prospector' and became his pupil for about 18 months. Did this man know the stream? At the end of my apprenticeship I was very much aware of some of the favourable locations to find my gold. The best advice he offered me was to "Question everything, and be completely observant whenever I found my gold as the stream will tell a story." Over time I began to notice very slight or discrete differences in the make-up of the stream, whether by a slight increase or decrease in bank height, a widening of the stream bed or alteration to gavel class or size, there are tell tale signs. These slightly noticeable alterations started me to 'question everything'. It was now time to ask 'Why' rather than 'Where I found my gold'. My studies had me in and out of libraries, I began to read up on stream technology and the more I learnt, the more I required knowing. There are very strong and powerful forces at work within a stream. Each and every one of these forces is deciding where the next alluvial dump will occur and 'Mother Nature' is only dumping her alluvium, she doesn't care or know, her only concern is that it is a slave of the stream, it is the prospector that hopes gold is an ingredient of the alluvium laid down. For further about 'STREAMS of GOLD' or to down load and view a number of random pages visit my website at - https://sites.google.com/site/howtofindgoldinariver