Gold Prospecting in Arizona
Gold prospecting in Arizona is a rewarding and exciting activity. Drawing enthusiasts from all over the world to the rich, gold-bearing landscapes of the state. Just imagine if you will, the legend of the Lost Dutchman mine and all the hoopla about it over the decades.
The same can be said of Tombstone and the rich silver mines in the area during its hey-days. With Tombstone, everyone thinks of the shoot-out at the OK Corral, but if you don’t know, Tombstone was the largest productive silver district in Arizona, kicking out $40 to $85 million in silver bullion in its time.
It’s hard to live here and not know at least one person who is a gold prospector either occasionally or full-time. I worked with a nurse a few years ago. She held down the “day job” while her husband worked a gold prospecting claim full-time around Prescott. Pretty cool if you ask me.
With our rich history and diverse geography, Arizona offers a lot of gold prospecting opportunities for both novice and experienced gold prospectors. So let’s explore the essentials of Arizona gold prospecting. We hope to provide you with some valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed in your quest for the precious metal.
Arizona Gold Prospecting Historical Significance
Gold prospecting in Arizona began in 1774, initiated by Manuel Lopez, a Spanish priest, who instructed the Papago Indians to extract gold from gravel in the Quijotoa Mountains. This marked the start of Arizona’s Gold Rush, which persisted until 1849 when the California Gold Rush drew away many Mexican miners.
Since then, gold prospecting in Arizona has produced over 498 tons (16 million troy ounces) of gold. While there are no longer any stand-alone gold mining operations in the state, with the last one closing in 1998, gold is still found as a byproduct of copper mining. Despite the decline in active mining, Arizona remains a promising location for modern gold prospectors.
The history of gold prospecting in Arizona is deeply intertwined with the state’s development. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s led to a rush of miners and settlers, transforming the region. Many of the state’s ghost towns and historic sites are remnants of this gold rush era, making Arizona not only a great place for gold prospecting but also for exploring our rich historical heritage.
Types of Gold Prospecting and Mining
There are four main types of gold prospecting/mining operations. These vary according to their method of extraction. These are – placer mining, hard rock mining, by-product mining, and processing of gold ore. We’re only going to discuss two types here. Placer mining, and hard rock mining as these are what us “average joes” like you and I are likely to do.
Placer Mining
Gold which has accumulated as a placer deposit (naturally separated from rock through gravity) is extracted through placer mining which uses water as the loose material and is unsuitable for tunnelling. This is the type recognized by many as typical gold prospecting, where manual panning and/or running a sluice box or a dry washer is used. Usually, this is not a commercial production.
Hard Rock Mining
The most recognised gold mining is hard rock retrieval which uses tunnels underground and machinery in open pits to extract gold. The larger scale enables far greater quantities to be mined and of course a lot more financial resources on the miners’ end.
It goes without saying when mining for other minerals it is possible that it can provide the added bonus of accumulating gold in small quantities.
Best Locations for Gold Prospecting in Arizona
So your best bet in prospecting gold is to start looking in places where it has been already found. A good gold prospector understands that streams once flowed much higher than their current levels. Look up the hillside for large rocks that could have trapped gold when the stream was higher. Gold often accumulates on the downstream side of these rocks, so the richest deposits might be a few yards uphill on that side. All you need to do is fill a bucket with dirt from there, bring it down to the stream, and pan it.
As simple as the above statement is, Arizona offers numerous locations for gold prospecting, each with its unique geological features. Some of the top spots include:
– Lynx Creek: Known for its placer gold deposits, Lynx Creek is a popular spot for panning and sluicing.
– Rich Hill: Located in the Weaver Mountains, Rich Hill is famous for its large gold nuggets.
– Black Canyon City: This area has a history of gold prospecting and offers great opportunities for metal detecting and dry washing.
– Quartzsite: During the winter months, Quartzsite attracts thousands of prospectors and rockhounds looking for gold and other minerals.
Arizona’s mild winter climate and arid environment create ideal conditions for gold prospecting. Although water is scarce, various equipment can compensate for this challenge. Instead of using traditional water-based methods to separate gold from gravel, prospectors in Arizona typically use dry-washers. These machines use regulated airflow to blow off lighter materials, allowing gold to settle. Metal detectors are also valuable tools for finding gold.
Gold Locations In Arizona
Here’s a detailed ranking of Arizona counties based on historical gold production by ounces:
Yavapai County
Production: Approximately 3,500,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Prescott, Lynx Creek, Rich Hill
Mohave County
Production: Approximately 2,500,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Kingman, Oatman, Gold Road
Pinal County
Production: Approximately 1,500,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Superior, Ray, Pioneer District
La Paz County
Production: Approximately 1,000,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Quartzsite, Plomosa Mountains
Maricopa County
Production: Approximately 750,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Vulture Mine, Wickenburg
Cochise County
Production: Approximately 500,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Dos Cabezas, Gleeson, Pearce
Gila County
Production: Approximately 400,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Globe, Payson, Tonto Basin
Graham County
Production: Approximately 300,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Aravaipa Creek, Bonita
Santa Cruz County
Production: Approximately 250,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Patagonia, Harshaw
Yuma County
Production: Approximately 200,000 ounces
Notable Areas: Cargo Muchacho Mountains, Castle Dome Mountains
This ranking reflects the historical gold production in each county, with Yavapai County leading by a significant margin. Each county has its unique geological features and mining history, contributing to its total gold production.
Where Can You Go Gold Prospecting In Arizona?
As you see above, Arizona has a lot of gold prospecting places you can mine or prospect for gold. So let’s look at your choices
#1: Guerilla Mining.
By “guerilla” gold prospecting I mean, you’re driving down the road out in the boonies and the run-off next to that dirt road has a lot of black sand. So you fill a bucket with it and pan it at home later. Or you’re walking along and pick up a mineral rock you find like an Apache Tear. Someone may mind you doing this if you frequent some fella’s claim. However, I think this occasional prospecting doesn’t cause a lot of concern.
Just be sure that this is allowed. In some of our State Parks, this activity is illegal and can result in fines and possibly an arrest.
#2: Join a Gold Prospecting Club.
So if you’re looking to learn and practice your gold prospecting craft, the best thing to do is join a gold prospecting club. All of these clubs have a claim or several claims you can visit and prospect to your heart’s content. You can solo it or participate in a group outing. You can get access to gold prospecting equipment you don’t have or can’t afford yet by helping those who do and learn how to use it along the way.
This is probably the best way to learn gold prospecting. For more information, visit the Roadrunner Prospector’s Club, The Desert Gold Diggers, or the Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors to learn more.
#3: Buy A Mining Claim.
Okay…, if you’re going this route, I’d say you’re all-in and up to your elbows gold prospecting full-time, and more than likely you are mining other Arizona minerals. You’ve stepped out beyond the realm of gold prospecting as a hobby.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of mining operation you’re pursuing. Do you have running water nearby to run a sluicebox? Are you going to dry wash? Are you mining in a tunnel or just working the surface? Once you’ve determined how you’re going to mine, then you need to find some areas that you can sample.
You can start gold prospecting by researching local mining claims. Were you able to find an open available claim? If so, it’s time to go check it out. Another great gold prospecting resource is Gold Maps Online which uses Google Earth. Once you go to your area, go sample it. Be sure you take samples from several places. Once you’re ready to file the claim. You can go to the Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) website and start the process from there.
You will find the answers to almost all of your gold prospecting questions below under Web Resources at the bottom of this article.
Gold Prospecting Safety and Legal Considerations
When gold prospecting in Arizona, it’s important to follow safety and legal guidelines:
Legal Guidelines
- Obtain Necessary Permits: Ensure you have the required permits to prospect on public or private land.
- Respect Claim Boundaries: Avoid prospecting on active mining claims without permission.
- Inform Others of Your Plans: Let someone know your prospecting location and expected return time.
Safety
Rattlesnakes! What can I say? When you’re out in the bush, keep an eye out for those reptiles whose bite is toxic and will wreck your day. And don’t forget to stay HYDRATED out there.
Essential Equipment for Gold Prospecting
Today, modern prospectors use a variety of techniques and equipment to locate and extract gold from Arizona’s rivers, creeks, and deserts. Successful gold prospecting in Arizona requires the right gold prospecting equipment. Here are a few of the essentials you need to prospect for gold:
- Gold Pan: The most basic tool for gold prospecting, ideal for beginners.
Shovel and Bucket: Essential for collecting and processing material.
Magnifying Tweezers and Suction Bottle: For picking up and storing small gold particles. - Metal Detector: Useful for locating gold nuggets in areas with little water.
- Sluice Box: Used to process larger amounts of material using running water, increasing the chances of finding gold.
- Dry Washer: Used to process larger amounts of material using vibration to shake the material, increasing the chances of finding gold.
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| Minelab Gold Monster 1000 Bundle | ASR Outdoor 20pc Complete Gold Panning Kit | 23-ounce Pointed Rock Pick |
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| Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointe | 50" Folding Aluminum Sluice Box | Royal Gold Dry Washer |
Techniques for Successful Gold Prospecting
Different gold prospecting techniques can be employed depending on the location and type of gold deposit. Some common gold prospecting methods include:
- Panning: A simple and effective way to separate gold from other materials using water.v
- Sluicing: Involves running water through a sluice box to capture gold particles.
- Metal Detecting: Effective in areas with large gold nuggets.
- Dry Washing: A method used in arid regions where water is scarce, utilizing air to separate gold from other materials.
Learn More About Gold Prospecting – Books
If you have time on your hands and want to learn more about Gold Prospecting, then check out these books.
Mineral & Gold Prospecting Books
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Wrapping it Up
Arizona gold prospecting offers a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to explore its rich landscapes. By understanding the history, selecting the right locations, using appropriate equipment, and employing effective techniques, you can increase your chances of finding gold. Always prioritize safety and adhere to legal guidelines when gold prospecting to ensure a successful and enjoyable prospecting adventure.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned prospector, Arizona’s gold-bearing grounds provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. Happy prospecting!
Web Resources
Filing A Mining Claim In Arizona (BLM)
Arizona Mineral Rights (University of Arizona)
Arizona Mining Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Arizona Mining Claims Maps (ArcGIS.com)