Can a Metal Detector Find Gold?

If you love panning and sluicing for gold and are willing to try new ways to make the most out of your prospecting activities, metal detectors can be an exciting alternative. However, it is reasonable to want to know more before committing to a significant investment.

So, can a metal detector find gold? Yes, a metal detector can find gold. Metal/mineral detectors are beneficial instruments for electronic gold prospecting. Their efficiency varies depending on the model, but they work best if the gold sediments are close enough to the surface and big enough to be identified.

If you want to find gold with a metal detector, you need to know what you’re doing. Read on for a complete guide to electronic prospecting using a metal detector.

What Is Electronic Prospecting?

Electronic prospecting is the practice of using a metal/mineral detector to pinpoint metal and mineral sediments that are hidden within the ground. While these useful instruments can assist the prospector in finding gold or silver, it is essential to practice using them and gain some experience in the field to see results.

Undoubtedly, understanding the geology and history of the area can be a determining factor in how successful a prospector can be while using a detector. Indeed, such devices will require you to proceed slowly and process a small amount of placer material at a time. Without knowing where the sediments might be, it can take a while to search an area properly.

Moreover, not all detectors are ideal for any prospecting needs. Before the purchase, you should take into consideration the power of each and the budget you have available at the time.

Types of Detectors

As you might have found out during your research, there is an endless range of detectors on the market.

However, independent of the model, they can be grouped into two categories: Very Low Frequency (“VLF”) and Beat Frequency Oscillator (“BFO”). Understanding what sets them apart is essential to finding the best detector for your needs.

Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO)

Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) detectors are more straightforward than other models, but they are also not as advanced and precise as Very Low-Frequency detectors. As you will see on the settings panel of BFO detectors, there are two modes to choose from, “metal” and “mineral.”

• The metal mode can help you detect metal sediments, including iron, copper, silver, and gold. The detector will be able to identify them as these compounds are conductors of electricity.
• The mineral mode will target minerals in the ground. Also known among prospectors as “black sand,” minerals are magnetic non-conductive sediments. Prospectors should keep in mind that metals that have stayed in the ground for long timeframes can become oxidized and read as a mineral on detectors.

Depending on the model and type of detector, it will have different means of communicating the prospector that it is sensing valuable sediments. This signal could be visual – such as a flashing light – or auditory – such as an intermittent beep. Newer models also use their LED display to show the type of material identified.

You should also be aware of the different tones the detector will send out in the case of auditory signals. These signals can be higher or lower in pitch depending on whether the device is detecting sediment belonging to the selected mode or the non-selected mode. Using headphones can help you cut out background noises and focus on the detector’s discoveries.

However, these types of detectors also suffer from specific limitations every prospector should be aware of before purchasing. Indeed, in the case of highly-mineralized grounds, the sensors can mistakenly show the presence of minerals, which will hide the presence of gold below it. However, knowing that gold is associated with highly-mineralized grounds can help you search further into these locations.

Very Low Frequency (VLF)

Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors boast a more advanced technology compared to their less sophisticated counterparts. They are also known among prospectors under a series of abbreviations such as MF and GCD and other names.

While different models will boast diverse options, these detectors’ technology can generally reduce the deceiving effects that highly-mineralized ground has on standard BFO detectors. This ability allows these instruments to see through these grounds and identify metal particles lying underneath – such as gold.

This kind of advanced technology allows these detectors to pinpoint gold sediments and placers, eliminating any surrounding interferences. However, prospectors should be aware that these devices will not detect too few or too deep residues.

While these models only boast reduced limitations compared to BFO detectors, some types will not sound well when running on gold. It is best to test them on gold particles before your prospecting outings to understand the kind of signal they will be giving out while detecting gold.

How to Increase the Possibility of Finding Gold

Generally, for prospectors searching for gold out of streambeds and rivers, metal detectors are highly effective instruments to find gold sediments.

Such devices are lightweight, easy to move and transport, and convenient to use. However, some factors can limit their ability to identify gold. Check how to increase your chances using the tips below.

Depth of the Sediments

Independent of the type or cost of the detector, it is essential to check its depth-sounding capability. This characteristic is vital to find gold targets that are deep within the ground.

Moreover, the target’s size can make a difference in whether it will be able to be identified by the detector. Larger nuggets will sound well on the sensor, even if they are placed at a deeper depth. On the other end of the scale, small gold flakes might not be visible if they aren’t close enough to the surface.

Gold Targets

Prospectors should be aware that gold is not one of the materials that detectors can identify quickly, causing the instrument to sound very weak when passing over this sediment.

Therefore, if employing electric prospecting methods, it is essential to select a detector designed specifically for gold prospecting. You should also bring a sample of gold to test the way the sensor sounds when identifying this metal.

Your Knowledge of the Area’s Geology

Since detectors can process only limited areas within short timeframes, understanding the area’s geology and history can increase your chances of finding gold on your outings.

Signaling and Headphones

Especially if you are using a BFO detector, the sounds or auditory signals emitted can confuse. Moreover, if the detector’s settings target minerals, you might not be able to perceive the change in tone when passing over metals – and vice versa.

Additionally, it is recommended that you use headphones during the whole prospecting process. Most of your activities will be out in the open and natural surroundings, where it is easy for sound to become lost among the many background noises.

Some detectors come furnished with a pair of headphones that can help the prospector focus on the signals delivered by the device, which, in turn, can increase the chances of your finding particles.

Conclusion

Metal detectors are a highly efficient way of electric prospecting and can yield excellent results. However, the type of sensor you are choosing should reflect your prospecting needs and fit within your budget to be a reasonable purchase.

Moreover, knowing the geology of the area and the locations where you are more likely to find gold can be a determining factor in the amount of valuable placer you will retrieve. You can ultimately increase your chances of finding gold by picking a metal detector that is designed to identify metals such as gold and silver without interference.