Is this gold??

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
50
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Hey folks I found gold in my backyard in New Mexico desert and I'm sure it's gold but it's super fine and doesn't seem to have a shiny metallic look. I've been a prospector my whole life but this gold looks like it in the pan and acts like it but seen super close in a vial with a flashlight looks a bit too dull let me know what y'all think thanks ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1483568076.736453.jpg
 

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AU_Solitude

Sr. Member
Feb 24, 2014
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380
Vacaville CA
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Put it under a loupe or a microscope, you'll know in an instant if it's gold. Posting pictures of what could be fly p**p, or dirt, on the interwebs and expecting people to make a sound judgement of its chemical makeup when you can't verify it yourself in person probably isn't the best of ideas?
 

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magrudersGold

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
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It's not dirt... it's heavy and hangs with the black sand. Like I said it looks exactly like gold in the pan but in the bottle very close it looks a bit dull
 

kcm

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Feb 29, 2016
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NW Minnesota
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Take a larger speck and crush it. See if it crushes or flattens out.
 

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magrudersGold

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
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Thanks skippy that's what I thought as well
 

Goldwasher

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May 26, 2009
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Sailor Flat, Ca.
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Not often that I say yes to this question here. But, Yes looks like gold. Gold has LUSTER take the light off of it and it will still glow. That is gold.
 

Goldwasher

Gold Member
May 26, 2009
6,077
13,225
Sailor Flat, Ca.
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I would be researching my backyard.
 

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magrudersGold

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
50
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It still looks like gold without a light on it. It's so confusing cause it looks and acts exactly like gold in the pan until close up in a vial it looks like a dull yellow rock[emoji26][emoji81]
 

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magrudersGold

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
50
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Oh ok haha so if it evaporates it's not gold?
 

Jeff95531

Silver Member
Feb 10, 2013
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Deep in the redwoods of the TRUE Northern CA
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yep and if it races around in the pan...chasing it's tale or floating away? Likely not gold. Good gold will stay put where most same sized material continues to move.. Bigger stuff can be panned more aggressively over a catch tub. Lighter stuff requires more time to work but the same advice applies. Good luck!

Ps and try the crush or flatten on the largest sample you have.
 

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magrudersGold

magrudersGold

Jr. Member
Jan 4, 2017
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It typically stays put but it's so small water kinda moves it. When I find the gold it's in the bottom with the black sand some of it comes out of the side but again it's still in the bottom
 

ivan salis

Gold Member
Feb 5, 2007
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callahan,fl
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extra fine very small gold flakes --aka as "flour gold" --very tiny but gold non the less ...gold can have various color tones to it due to the impurities mixed in with it --folks are used to "refined" gold with its bright yellow shiny luster
 

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