| GOLD - The Metal GOLD is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust. It is very soft for a metal (2.5-3), and is highly malleable & ductile. It is one of the heaviest elements, having a Specific Gravity of 19.3, (meaning it is 19 times heavier than an equal volume of water). GOLD is brought to the surface of the Earth mainly via Volcanic or Hydrothermal action in its molten state or as a hot Gas. GOLD has a natural affinity for Quartz, so when it cools, Quartz Reefs containing the GOLD, usually form. Besides Quartz, GOLD also has an affinity for other minerals such as Copper, Silver, Tellurium and Calcite. Most GOLD today, is mined from these types of Reef deposits- the GOLDEN MILE at Kalgoorlie in W.A. being a good example. In cases where nature has weathered away the Reef however, the GOLD is released and is usually deposited in watercourses. As GOLD is so heavy it sinks to the bottom or bedrock of the creek or stream -this is called ALLUVIAL GOLD in Australia or PLACER GOLD in America. GOLD is also found in NUGGET form, ranging in size from an ounce to over 2,000ozs. The GOLDFIELDS of Victoria were the most productive source of GOLD NUGGETS ever seen in the world. They have also produced most of the largest NUGGETS ever recorded. Today, Western Australia offers most scope to the Metal Detector operator for locating areas where GOLD NUGGETS can still be found. A large number of NUGGETS have been found in Qld., the largest being "The CURTIS NUGGET" of 975ozs found at Gympie in 1868. NUGGETS are formed by either large pieces of REEF GOLD being weathered away or by GOLD in chemical solution "growing" upon a small seed of GOLD http://groups.msn.com/AlluvialGoldProspectors/information.msnw |
