idighistory, Placer deposits are old water/stream/river and even glacial deposits where any of these have cut through a mineral deposit and have deposited it along the path of the "historical" water course. Concentrations of these deposits occur in 'typical' zones: on the downstream side of large boulders and certain bends along a river
There have been several discussions here on Tnet about
Reading a River, more are available on the internet. Usually placer deposits are indicated by the presence of rocks that have been somewhat or drastically rounded due to all the abrasion taking place while spinning in eddy currents, rolling down bedrock and just being mixed with other rocks of all sizes and spun around, think of a rock tumbler/polisher, same sort of 'polishing' action.
Another sort of basic 'washing' tool that can be used along with a pan is one of the smaller size's of Bazooka Gold Trap Sluice Boxes. They are more pricy than a simple gold pan but they wash a whole lot more dirt per hour than a pan does and they trap the fine gold quite well. Lot's of folks here on Tnet have them and more importantly Use Them with good success.
Classifying your raw sample, sorting out the finer materials from the larger materials, is a typical process in any small prospecting operation. The Bazooka units do this using the force of the water in a flowing stream, you shovel the raw sample into the unit and the water does the work. Classifier's can be purchased or MADE! They can also be purchased from the "Prospecting Section" of stores like Bed Bath & Beyond as well as Wal-Mart. These classifiers in the two stores listed are in the "Drawer Organizer" locations in the stores and are made from perforated metal, I like the one that is about 4" square with about a 1 1/2" high wall. These have holes that are sub 1/16" in diameter so only the "fines" will go through and since you are looking in 'fines country' they should work well. Fill the drawer divider about half full of dirt, with water in your gold pan or a rubber maid tub of water - insert the classifier into the water and shake the classifier back and forth. Bingo the sample is washed clean of any free flowing dirt, clay particles must be smeared through the screen to get them to break up. Now you have a bunch of fines to pan.
Have fun out there, enjoy yourself, do not expect to find any gold right off but then some do and please spend some time fishing and think of me when you catch a big one, I'm a displaced Detroit/Dearborn/Livonia Michigander myself. As someone else has suggested a true gold bearing state is a real treat to go to. I lived in northern California for many years, have spent 50 years backpacking in the "Mother Load" country and have had the thrill of finding up to ~ 1/4 oz. of gold one season. I've also caught lots of trout out there and have seen many beautiful scenes. Best of success...........................63bkpkr
Way in the background of this picture is Tahoe/Reno and yes there is gold in the canyons in this picture.
