Glenn in CO

My first detector was a Compass Yukon (still have it, why I don't know) and I believe that was in 1976, then a Compass Relic Magnum 7, after that was a White's 600 DI. I have a Metrotech that a friend gave me back in the 1980's. My wife started out with a A.H. Pro Backpacker, then to a White's 6000DI. Still have the A.H. Pro Backpacker(two of them), a A.H. Super Pro V, and the Metrotech (again why, I don't know why. I guess it brings back memories of the good old days). Found 13 ounces of gold amalgam in ghost town in 1980 with the Compass Relic Magnum 7. (sorry for the poor picture)

Gerry, another very nice find! My guess on the black mineral would be galena or sphalerite and maybe the combination of the two minerals. My guess on why the smooth rounding, is the way the gold formed in a pocket and the host rock has weathered away. You are on a roll, keep it up!

Great to have you back Steve and look forward to the adventure that you will be sharing with us!

I would try oxalic acid ( very strong mixture with water) to brighten the gold and remove some of the iron oxide or try Whink that has a small concentration of hydrofluoric acid for somewhat more aggressive cleaning of the gold, removing iron oxides and dissolving some of the quartz. If you use these two methods it will take time to see any satisfactory results, so be patience. If you have some hydrofluoric acid in a higher concentration (48% strength or more) you will have faster results and would need to monitor closely so you don't destroy the specimen. But be extremely careful when using any type of hydrofluoric acid in any form, the acid is deadly and I mean deadly, you better know what you are doing! Finally soak the specimen in baking soda if you use any of the cleaning methods above. There are other methods that can be used to also give a wow look, but I would need to studying the specimen first hand on what would be the best course of action to take. Very nice find!

Gerry, Thanks! for the great feedback on the new White's GMT 24k. I know the gold I and my wife detect for in Colorado a PI detector has difficult time detecting small to medium size specimens of crystalline gold. I know you haven had a limited time using the new 24k but what's your opinion between the GMT and GMT 24k for performance? Thanks for the update and any information you are willing to share.

Gerry, I always enjoy reading what you have to post and I believe you inspire newbies and well-seasoned individuals of the hobby that their is coins, jewelry, relics, nuggets and treasure in general to be found no matter what detector brand they are using. Ultimately it comes down to the individual on how well they know their detector and its limitations and then to use that knowledge in a productive area to have success. Great post!!!

Here's a couple of pictures of the Waterproof TDI from some other forums:

Great information for anyone looking for areas to prospect for silver or gold. Great post!!!!

Both I and my wife have used every model of the White's Goldmaster beginning in 1990 and currently using the GMT. The type of gold were after, a high frequency detector is absolute must. Their isn't a PI detector currently made that will find the gold specimens that we find. We have always been able to dial the GMT in for optimum performance. The new GMK isn't available yet for the general public and I'm holding any comments to see if the new technology equals, surpasses any the high frequency detectors that are current available including the GMT.

Nice finds, you can really appreciate gold nuggets that have character and the value they bring.

Just simply outstanding! You just prove it is still out there. Like you said a lot of hard work but well worth it.

Like many of us we started out years ago with a tent and a 4-wheel drive (1973 Bronco) for our prospecting and detecting needs. Now as we have gotten a lot older and we have a desire to be more comfortable when out in the boonies, we have the truck and travel trailer to get us where we will set up base camp and the RZR to get us to our finally destination.

Any high frequency VLF detector will be your best bet for finding small gold, but high mineralization will effect depth. Check out this thread: http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/1424-vlf-detectors-and-depth/

The seven guys in the photo don't look to thrilled having their picture taken, so my guess is no happy faces on the guys she was the only one that found gold on that outing. To make more pain full she was a newbie.

That's one hell of a hole you dug there, but I can only imagine the excitement that was building the closer you got to that specimen. Way to go, finding something like that makes you feel it can't get any better than this, but on to next bigger one! Are you going to dissolve the quartz or leave it like it is?