Can metal detectors find gold?

It is not surprising that the most desired finds of all treasure hunters are objects that consist of the most valuable metal — gold. Every beginner dreams of finding the coveted gold coins or even a whole treasure. Some of them purposefully hunt for gold nuggets, and they can safely be called modern prospectors. Others take a simpler path, that is, they look for lost jewelry on the beach and in the coastal zone. But in fact, these objects are homogeneous and are united by a common search technique. Can gold be detected by a metal detector? This is the topic we will discuss in more detail below.

Why is gold difficult to detect with a regular metal detector?

It is worth initially noting that a significant factor in the success of searching for gold items is the use of a properly selected tool. In fact, there are many specialized devices, the defining feature of which is the very name of the model, which often contains the word Gold. They necessarily have a pre-installed program designed specifically for searching for gold with a metal detector.

It is also important to understand that gold is a metal that conducts electricity. Accordingly, it creates an electromagnetic reaction when interacting with the search coil of the metal detector. Thus, the device can see such finds in the ground. However, it is important to understand that gold has a fairly low conductivity when compared to silver or copper. As a result, it often falls into the same category as foil, aluminum plugs and small metal objects. This causes a number of difficulties in the end.

How to choose a metal detector for gold prospecting?

But even universal metal detectors can find jewelry, but they must have certain characteristics. First of all, such devices must have an extended range of discrimination of ferrous metals. This is necessary because gold indicators are on the border with indicators of ferrous oxidized metals. The wider this range, the more accurately the device will be able to distinguish gold objects from ferrous metals during operation. So how to choose the best metal detector for gold? In order for your treasure hunt to be as effective as possible, it is desirable that the selected device meets the following parameters. Sensitivity to small targets

Both in nature and in the form of jewelry, this metal is found in quite small forms. Small nuggets can be the size of a grain of rice. Therefore, conventional devices simply do not see them, or give a weaker signal. For this reason, increased sensitivity to small objects made of low-conductivity metals is especially important.

Frequency

The higher the frequency of the device, the better it will be able to recognize small gold targets. For example, devices with a frequency of 18-50 kHz demonstrate much higher results than those that operate at 6-10 kHz. Thanks to the use of high-frequency devices, you can find even the smallest nuggets in the ground.

Specialized operating modes

Some models of metal detectors are equipped with special modes, such as "Gold" or "Prospecting", which are designed specifically for searching for gold. These modes can significantly enhance signals from low-conductivity objects and help to better distinguish targets against the background of soil and mineralization. This is especially true for regions where gold can be found mixed with other metals.

Soil balancing

Gold prospecting is mainly carried out in rather difficult conditions — mountains, rivers, old mines. In such areas, the soil is often mineralized, which in turn provokes the appearance of false signals. In order to avoid these interferences, it is desirable that the device be equipped with a function for fine-tuning the type of soil. This is why it is recommended to pay attention to models with the possibility of manual or automatic balancing.

Where is the best place to look for gold?

For everyone, both an experienced treasure hunter and a beginner, finding a gold nugget is a cherished desire. Such finds are quite rare, which is why you can get a fortune for some of them. Natural gold is in particular demand among collectors who are willing to pay a pretty decent amount for a new specimen. Based on genealogical studies, only 20% of the total gold reserves have been mined today. This indicates that the remaining treasures are still waiting to be found in the depths of the earth. In addition, gold finds are possible in places where active human activity took place in the past. Among the most promising locations are:

Old settlements and fairgrounds. It was in these places that people once lived, traded and actively moved. Jewelry could be lost during everyday wear, especially in crowded places, or hidden from prying eyes.
Near rivers. This is especially true in mountainous areas, where gold could naturally wash out of the rock and then settle on bends or in the depressions of riverbeds. In regions of historical gold mining, the chances of finding nuggets in such places increase many times over.
At the sites of ancient mines. The remains of the mines often contain small particles of gold that were not extracted at the time, since the necessary technologies simply did not exist then.
On the beaches. Various jewelry, such as chains and rings, are often lost in the sand or water. On public beaches, the chances of finding a valuable item increase many times over.

In addition, an excellent solution would be to pay attention to abandoned villages and areas where houses used to be. There are also valuable finds in the form of lost jewelry and hiding places.

Features of nugget search

Nugget search is a separate area of the work of treasure hunters. It requires performers to have powerful and precise equipment, experience and knowledge of the geology of the area. Nuggets are mostly irregular in shape and are found at a depth of forty centimeters, and in some cases even deeper. They can weigh from fractions of a gram to several kilograms. Although, to be honest, large specimens are rare. Nuggets are often found in loose deposits, near quartz veins or in old river beds. That is why when searching for gold, it is important not only to use modern equipment, but also to responsibly approach the preliminary analysis of the area. Only in this case, the combination of a metal detector and gold will help to achieve the desired results.

So can a metal detector detect gold?

Yes, it is certainly possible. Gold can be found, and it is worth noting that prospectors find it regularly. At the same time, among the finds there are both modern jewelry and nuggets. However, to achieve such a cherished goal, you will need not only to acquire the appropriate equipment, but also patience. In addition, a share of luck will not hurt either. This is exactly what we sincerely wish for you, because there are no problems with choosing the right equipment; CKG has a large selection of options worthy of your attention.