Diggin' Gold in NM

[BamaDuke]

Ranger (and the rest of the group), we will be heading back probably in September. I'll try to post dates once we firm them up. All are invited!

Bama

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I wish I was there, I've looked for gold before but didn't know how or where. I was told to look in the black sand in washes.

Black sand is often associated with gold, but not always an in indicator that it will be present. In areas where gold is common it likes to hide in gravel beds that occur over bedrock. Gold, being 19 times heaver than water, is greatly effected by gravity and alluvial movement.
Only a very small percentage of the world's available gold has been found, so your chances are still good if you're in the right place and willing/able to to wield a good old #2 shovel.

Given BamaDuke's proven success with his part time endevour, you might want to plan to take up his offer to check it out next season. Its a great learning experience and you might walk away with a big nuggie to hang around your neck as a prize. Who knows, the next shovelful could be the beginning of a record strike.

 

[highdesertranger]

very generous offer bama, thank you very much. keep us posted. I have a buddy that lives up the mountain from Albuquerque, could stop in for a visit while I am there. highdesertranger

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Years ago I worked in jewelry repair and design. Gold was pretty cheap, I can't remember how much now though. People would occasionally bring in a nugget for me to remake. Left the nugget in its original form, added a handmade mounting and diamond or other gem and made a pendant or ring, usually lended itself better as a pendant as the nugget was often too rough to be a ring. If I still had the equipment that might be a good skill to have on the road. I wish I had known way back then to take pictures of my work. I was the one they would bring pictures of animals to and I would make wax sculptures to be cast into jewelry designs too. I hear there are computers and a mchine that do all that now. My time to get free is looking better and better, maybe T or C next year to look for gold.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Its exciting the first time you see color in your pan, and that excitement seems to continue. Its work, but very satisfying (and profitable) when you see results such as Duke's.

Years ago I did a ring casting from melted nugs (little "pickers") and dust. I soldered 6 small nugs on top. Over the years it wore down (no alloys) some and the nugs got smaller and smooth. I've put it away now as a keepsake, but was tempted to sell when gold when up a while back. Its still a pretty hefty chunk.