What Is Gold Panning?
Gold panning, also known as simply panning, is the process of separating particles of greater metals like gold from soil and gravel by washing in a pan with water. This process is also known as a traditional one because it is one of the simplest ways to extract gold without the use of a professional metal detector.
It’s simple, easy to use and affordable, making it one of the most popular methods for extracting/detecting gold. In order to extract and separate gold this way, you will need gold panning equipment. The reason behind this method’s popularity lies in the fact that it’s a relatively simple and low cost way of getting gold as a valuable item and a symbol of wealth and power.
What Equipment Is Used for Panning for Gold?
Without the right panning gold equipment you won’t be able to do anything at all. Breaking up hard rocks and separating dirt and soil from gold is done with proper and sturdy gold panning equipment that will allow you to look for it in different places like rivers, streams, creeks, etc.
Pan
Given the name gold panning, this is one of the first and most important and essential tools you need for the purpose. Ideally, choosing a plastic pan is recommended because it is lighter and easier to handle, especially when filled. Plus, designs made from plastic are not only lighter but also easier to maintain and clean, as they don’t rust. In addition, they make for easy transport and storage too.
Panning Sieve
Aside from a pan, owning a panning sieve is essential for collecting the fine material that ends up passing through the bottom sieve. Having a sieve lid is also helpful for preventing loss of material during the separation process.
Shovel, Trowel and Pick
Having these tools in hand will help you stay prepared all the time for anything. Whether having to dig and break stones in a pond, river or elsewhere, this set of gear will help you in your pursuit of gold. If possible, look for ones with rubber handles for better grip.
Sniffer Bottle
This is a handy and important tool you should have as your gold panning ally because it will help you pick up gold from the gold pan mainly but also from crevices in the river/creek, from riffles in the sluice box and so on. All in all, it’s a handy tool worth having.
Paydirt Bucket
Investing in a paydirt bucket will help you have hours of endless fun with your friends and family. This dirt usually comes from a natural gold deposit because it is a geological type of dirt so having one would be quite beneficial. By investing in one that comes from a trusted brand, you can expect to have at least a 1ozt return if panned properly. These buckets are an ideal option for those times when you are unable to go anywhere near a river, pond or elsewhere.
Magnet
Having a magnet is useful for removing magnetic black sand in a plastic pan. This will help you easily separate everything and find gold. You can even invest in gold magnets which makes finding gold significantly easier. When using a magnet, it is said that you should place it on the bottom of the plastic pan and move the dirt in small circular movements. This motion can easily separate gold from the rest of the particles and is considered to be quite an easy way of collecting gold.
All in All
There are a lot of tools that can help you in your search for gold. All of them are available in different models, materials, quality and manufacturers, which explains the need to mention that you should be careful when searching for the right model as not all are made the same. For better results and successful outcomes, it would be better if you invest in quality tools. Saving on them is possible when you shop for ones that come in a kit along with some other helpful tools.
Where and When to Pan for Gold?
The best places to look for gold are in places where turbulent waters tend to change to a slower-moving flow. When in the search for gold in such places, experts recommend first checking the places where there’s slower water below waterfalls, raids, the downstream side of boulevards and deep pools. You can also look for gold at upstream ends of sand, point bars, meanders, bedrock crevices, etc.
The best time for gold panning according to professionals is in spring, early summer or just before everything freezes in fall and late fall. The main reason for gold panning during this period of the year is because the water is lower, so the chances that gold will be more exposed are huge.