Gold Prospecting Equipment
Equipment Used When Prospecting for Gold
This page defines and gives an overview of the different types of equipment used when prospecting for gold. Here we cover equipment for every budget from the simple gold pan to the most complex dredging operations. If you have any suggestions for gold prospecting equipment that should be included on this page, please contact us and we will add it as soon as possible.
Gold Pan
The gold pan is a simple yet vital tool for every gold prospector. While it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, all gold pans perform esentially the same feature - that is, offering a quick, easy, and cheap way to test an area for gold.
Sluice Box
The sluice box is another great tool when prospecting for gold. It is most commonly found as a long, rectangular box with small "riffles" at the bottom that trap gold as material passes over. Sluices are normally used in conjunction with a stream, river, or other water supply to help separate dirt and lighter material from the heavier gold, which collects at the bottom of the sluice box.
Dry-Washer
A dry-washer is similar to a sluice box except for one important exception - it is designed to work where there is no water supply. Dry-washers are a vital prospecting tool in arid, desert climates where access to water is either minimal or non-existent. The dry-washer works by blowing air through the material, lifting away the light dirt and minerals while leaving the heavier gold and precious metals behind.
High Banker
Definition and pictures to come soon.
Dredge
Definition and pictures to come soon.
Please check back soon as we will be adding more prospecting tools, more detailed explanations, and pictures of all equipment listed here.