Gold panning separates dense particles from lighter sediment in water. The U.S. Geological Survey's prospecting guide describes it as a simple, inexpensive way to test stream deposits. A pan is a sampling tool, not a promise that a stream contains gold.
A useful first practice
In a permitted place, sample a small amount of gravel, cover it with water, and gently wash away lighter material while keeping the heavier concentrate in the pan. Practice with a known sample before drawing conclusions from a natural one. Dark heavy minerals may remain even when no gold is present.
Keep notes on the exact sampling spot and sediment type. A single empty pan does not prove an entire stream is barren; one fleck does not prove a commercially valuable deposit. The USGS explains how erosion can move gold from rock into placer deposits.
Before collecting, verify land ownership, active claims, seasonal closures, and current local rules. BLM collecting guidance notes that existing claims require the claimholder's permission. Rules for stream work and equipment also vary by place.
Field note
Record the sample location, water level, sediment size, and approximate amount processed. Repeat a small test nearby before changing the conclusion. These notes help distinguish a localized heavy-mineral pocket from a pattern worth studying. Photograph any notable concentrate in the pan; do not assume color alone establishes mineral identity.
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