How to Use a Gold Metal Detector

A pan, shovel and pick are no longer needed to find a gold nugget.

Gold metal detectors are calibrated to find even small deposits of gold and at greater depths than a regular metal detector. Most national forests permit the use of gold metal detectors along with panning for gold. Gold metal detectors are able to locate gold in desert and mountain regions where no water is available to pan for gold. Having a gold metal detector gives the modern prospector a golden opportunity to locate gold.

Things You'll Need

• Gold metal detector
• Headphones
• Digging tool

Instructions

1. Purchase a gold metal detector. The larger the coil on the unit built for gold detecting, the more ground you can cover. A 10-inch coil is a good size.

2. Use headphones connected to your gold detector. Try them on and make sure they are comfortable for extended periods before purchasing. This will enable you to hear the faintest sound which could indicate a nugget buried deep or smaller pieces which emit less noise.

3. Carry a stout digging tool. A long-handled shovel and/or scoop to dig up your find is best. Many have sifters included to separate the dirt and sand. These can be purchased online or at specialty shops that carry metal detectors.

4. Start your search in documented nugget bearing areas. These areas are well mapped and the maps are available to purchase online. Many online prospecting clubs exchange prospecting information as well.

5. Finding a nugget sends you a sign to stay in the same area for your search. Nuggets usually appear in clusters and finding one can lead to more. Keep scanning the same area until it is completely covered.

6. Fill-in any holes created during your digs. Leave the land as you found it for the next gold metal detecting enthusiast.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the land owners and contact claim owners if need be for their permission to nugget hunt in any certain area.

• Always keep extra batteries with your supplies.

• Do not expect to find much gold in the areas where gold has previously never been found. It is best to start in the well documented areas.

References

• U.S. Forest Service; Mineral and Rock Collecting and Metal Detecting on the National Forests
• AKMining.com; Steve's Guide to Metal Detecting for Gold Nuggets

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Metal Detecting World.Com; Digging Shovels and Trowels for Metal Detecting and Treasure Hunting
• Gold Maps; Gold Prospecting and Planning Maps
• Gold Prospecting Fever.Com; Metal Detectors, Gold Nugget Detectors