How to Extract Grain-Sized Gold in Dirt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for extracting small gold particles from dirt, specifically focusing on the techniques and characteristics that differentiate gold from other materials like pyrite. Participants share their experiences and suggest various approaches to identify and extract gold, including the use of density and water-based methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the size of the gold particles is more akin to glitter than grain-sized, raising questions about extraction methods.
  • One participant proposes using water to create a slurry, allowing gold to sink due to its high density, while noting that pyrite may appear similar but does not have the same properties.
  • Another participant shares their personal experience with gold panning, describing the visual characteristics of gold compared to pyrite.
  • There is a discussion about whether smaller gold particles, referred to as glitter-sized, can sink effectively, with some asserting that density is the key factor regardless of particle size.
  • A participant mentions a local river containing placer gold and describes their method of separating gold from other materials using agitation and density.
  • One participant expresses disappointment upon concluding that their find is likely pyrite, echoing an earlier suggestion about the nature of the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of density in identifying gold, but there is some uncertainty regarding the behavior of smaller gold particles and the potential for misidentification with pyrite. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of different extraction methods for glitter-sized gold.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on personal experiences and observations, which may vary in accuracy. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of specific tests for distinguishing gold from pyrite, nor does it clarify the limitations of the proposed methods.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for hobbyists interested in gold panning, individuals exploring methods for mineral extraction, and those curious about the characteristics of gold compared to other materials like pyrite.

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Actually, it is smaller. Is is more like glitter-sized. What process do I use to extract it?
 
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Due to gold's density (specific gravity) you can place your ore in water and mix it well. Turn it into a slurry. All the gold will sink to the bottom.

Check out some online videos on gold panning. Even lead weights and bullets will roll around in a pan of water. The gold sticks like it is nailed there.

If you see 'glittery' stuff, it is probably pyrite, not gold. Gold really doesn't doesn't glitter.
 
Shootist said:
If you see 'glittery' stuff, it is probably pyrite, not gold. Gold really doesn't doesn't glitter.
Right. More like a warm yellow glow. I love panning for gold and it's always fun to see that glow in the dregs as you slosh out the lighter stuff.
 
Yeah, the glitter-like gold doesn't sink favorably either. Are you stating that even glitter-size gold sinks? Is there any other kind of test I can run on it?
 
IF it's gold, it should sink, as buoyancy is a function of density and gold is very dense, no matter the size of the particles.
 
cloud_sync said:
Yeah, the glitter-like gold doesn't sink favorably either. Are you stating that even glitter-size gold sinks? Is there any other kind of test I can run on it?
Density is the best test. Even gold dust sinks. We have a river locally that contains some placer gold, and when you agitate the pan, the regular sand and dirt wash out cleanly, leaving a reddish "sand" composed of weathered garnet, which also washes out, leaving a fine dense black material, AND (if you are lucky or skillful) gold. If you are paranoid about losing even a fine particle of gold, you can take all the black material home for more careful separation, but I just dip more water, agitate, and swirl and let density do the trick.
 
Thanks guys. Unfortunately, it appears to be pyrite like Shootist suggested - fool's gold.
 

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