crushing Caliche

[oidium45]

Hello everyone,
I am looking for ideas as to effeciently and inexpensively crush up caliche to be run through a drywasher. I wanted to see what you all do out in the field.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hard Prospector]

A concrete tamp works nicely, just lay the caliche chunks on the ground, spread evenly and pound away.

But this system works really well:
Portable cement mixer motorized or hand crank. Toss clods of caliche in cylinder with some big rocks lying about (iron stone best) then start her spinning and crushing......works great.

 

[1637]

where do you think the most gold is? on top .in it, or under it,i see people digging to get to all three.
good luck brad

 

[oidium45]

where do you think the most gold is? on top .in it, or under it,i see people digging to get to all three.
good luck brad

It varies depending on the area.

 

[1637]

maybe a rock crusher,like the ones with this chains.
brad

 

[Seden]

After you have run the crushed caliche through your drywasher, put it in one of those vibrating bowls (used to clean brass shells for reuse) with some warm vinegar and tumble for about 30 minutes. If it's like the caliche out at Goler Gulch (N.W. Mojave Desert-Ca.) you will be blown away by the amount of gold that was bound in the stuff.

 

[oidium45]

After you have run the crushed caliche through your drywasher, put it in one of those vibrating bowls (used to clean brass shells for reuse) with some warm vinegar and tumble for about 30 minutes. If it's like the caliche out at Goler Gulch (N.W. Mojave Desert-Ca.) you will be blown away by the amount of gold that was bound in the stuff.

Probably similar. Barstow area.