Gold Prospecting Equipment
If you are new to prospecting for gold, it’s pretty simple to get
started. There are a few essential tools you will want to have before
you set off to discover your fortune. So get started in collecting your
basic items.
 First, pick your best friend the gold pan. The gold pan is obviously
the one thing you must have at all times to prospect. You will start
with it and you will finish up with it, so be sure it feels good in the
hands and appropriate for your skill level.
The plastic gold pan, made of a tough durable plastic, is the one
most recommended for the novice. It’s efficient and, some feel, superior
over the metal pans back in the day. The plastic pan will not rust or
erode and the surface is textured better to catch the fine gold flecks
and mini nuggets to hold. It’s lightweight and easy to hold and is
available in the color black to really offset the color of gold, making
it easy for the eye to see. Coming in sizes of 8 to 12 inches, these
pans are most popular and have multiple uses, such as sampling and clean
up. The larger pans, up to 18 inches, are for the more experienced
prospector and takes stamina to wield and technique to be successful.
The sieve you choose to begin with should be of high quality and able
to withstand the sun. A cracked sieve will lower your confidence in your
equipment. So, on this specific tool, don’t skimp. As you continue to
prospect, you may wish to get a set of sieves. Some experts recommend
starting with 2 sieves best purchased with your gold pan to ensure
absolute fit.
 Your next piece of equipment, known as a pick, is sometimes called a
mattock. The mattock is the edge on the head of the pick. This is a
great digging tool for when you need something a bit more serious when
digging for gold. Again, see what feels good in the hand. There are many
lightweight mattocks available that are designed to the job of the
heavier tool. Some come with magnets as attachments to the head of the
pick to attract metals. Also available in a combination tool is the mini
pick shovel and trowel. A nice tool for the beginner to try out their
luck, keeping the combo and your gold pan in your vehicle will never
find you without enough basics to take advantage of an unplanned dig!
Shovels can be bought separately, made specifically for digging gold.
They fold up and store easily. A 5 gallon bucket is essential as you
can carry your tools in it and then utilize it on the prospecting site.
You may want to transport the materials you pan back home to go through
your finds in a more relaxed manner. They are inexpensive and, at some
stores, free! They are handy, so have a few on hand. A gold magnet is
very helpful in removing magnet black sand from your finds. An empty
film container can hold your treasure and is easy to carry in your
pocket. Begin with the basics, and as you become more proficient, check
out other available equipment that may be wise to invest in.
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