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What Are Some Good Gold Panning Tips For Beginners? (Techniques)

By: Dan Hodgins

What is Gold Panning? 

Gold panning is the act of sifting through piles of river sediment with a special pan to find gold. It has been in use since ancient Roman times and is popular with hobbyists and geology enthusiasts because it is a low cost and simple process compared to full-fledged mining operations.

Gold panning is a type of placer mining, with areas that can produce gold called placer deposits. The dirt from near or inside the riverbed that is scooped into the pan is called an alluvial deposit. When panning, the high-density gold will tend to stay at the bottom while the lighter materials rise to the top to be washed away.

For experiened gold prospectors, beginner gold panners can be fun to teach as they are eager to learn and try out the activity. 

What Equipment Do I Need For Gold Panning? 

To pan for gold, you will need the right equipment, which includes a gold pan, sluice box, and other tools and supplies such as a pick and shovel, classifier, and gold vials. The gold pan is essential and most commercial pans have ridges, or riffles, to catch the denser gold particles while the rest of the sediment is washed away.

What is  Good Gold Panning Method For Beginners? 

There are a few different techniques for gold panning, and every expert gold panner has their own specific method. However, the basic premise is the same: start with a large amount of alluvial deposit and slowly break it down into a small amount, hopefully containing some tiny gold pieces. The gold pan is an essential tool in this process, as it typically has ridges, or riffles, designed to catch the denser gold particles while the rest of the sediment is washed away. To pan for gold, follow these basic steps:

• Fill your pan almost full, about 3/4 or a bit more, with sediment.
• Use your fingers to crush any clumps or balls of clay.
• Submerge the pan until it is just under the water.
• Shake the pan back and forth and side to side, vigorously. This helps to rise up the lower density material, with the gold (hopefully) remaining at the bottom.
• Use a light 'up and down' motion with the pan. Gently let the water wash off the lighter dirt and sands. The dirt and sediment will start coming out of the pan during this stage.
• When you are down to just a small amount of sediment, it is time to keep a small amount of water in the pan. At this stage, lift the pan out of the water and do very slow swirling rotations, or tilt the pan forward and back to let a gentle wave wash to the front of the pan, and reveal the gold. If you have done it correctly (and there is gold in the sediment) you should start to see the gold flecks.

Step 5 is the most important stage in this process, as it allows you to separate the gold from the lighter materials. It is important to pay attention to the movement of the water and the sediment, as the gold will typically settle to the bottom of the pan. The gold may also be visible as tiny dots, small flakes or in rare cases, nuggets.

Which Gold Prospecting Tools Will I Need to Get Started? 

To get started with gold panning, you will need a few basic pieces of equipment and supplies. These include:

• Gold pan: This is the most important tool for gold panning, as it is used to hold the sediment and separate the gold from other materials. Gold pans are typically made of plastic or metal and have ridges, or riffles, on the bottom to catch the denser gold particles.

• Shovel: A shovel is helpful for scooping sediment from the riverbed into your pan.

• Bucket: A bucket can be used to carry sediment from the riverbed to your panning location.

• Sieve: A sieve, or classifier, is a screen that can be placed over your pan to help separate larger rocks and debris from the sediment.

• Snuffer bottle: A snuffer bottle is a small bottle with a nozzle that can be used to suction up the gold flakes or nuggets after they have been separated from the sediment in the pan.

• Tweezers: Tweezers can be useful for picking up small pieces of gold.

• Water: You will need a source of water for gold panning, either from a nearby river or stream or by bringing your own water in a container.

• Protective gear: It is a good idea to wear protective gear when gold panning, including gloves, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun and any potential hazards.

Where Can I Pan for Gold in the USA West?

There are many places around the world where gold panning is possible, including rivers, streams, and creeks with a history of gold mining. Some of the best places to pan for gold include:

• California: California is known for its gold rush history, and there are still many areas in the state where gold panning is possible. Some popular locations include the American River, the Mokelumne River, and the Merced River.

• Alaska: Alaska is home to many rivers and streams that have a history of gold mining, including the Koyukuk River and the Chena River.

• Colorado: Colorado is another state with a rich gold mining history, and there are many areas in the state where gold panning is still possible. Some popular locations include the Clear Creek and the South Platte River.

• Montana: Montana is known for its gold deposits, and there are many areas in the state where gold panning is possible. Some popular locations include the Blackfoot River and the Clark Fork River.

You can also find gold panning locations near you by checking with local gold panning clubs or prospecting organizations, or by searching online for gold panning locations in your area. If you wish to stake a gold claim you will need to check the US BLM website for further information. 

Check Local Gold Prospecting Laws & Regultions

Gold panning can be a fun and interesting hobby, and it has the potential to be profitable as well. However, it is important to research the laws and regulations in your area before you start panning, as some places may have restrictions on gold panning or may require permits.

It is also important to be respectful of the environment and to follow proper safety guidelines when gold panning, such as wearing protective gear and avoiding contaminated areas.

Conclusion

Gold panning can be a wonderful and rewarding hobby. It forces you to get outside into nature for some fresh air and exercise, and can introduce you to new friends while allowing you to reconnect with old ones. We highlight recomend gold panning as a family activity for kids as well. 

Now it's your turn - get out there and try gold panning for yourself! Be safe, and have fun! 

Sources 

How to Pan For Gold (With Pictures) - Wikihow 

US Bureau of Land Management - Gold Mining Claims