Prospecting for Gold with a Metal Detector

Prospecting for Gold with a Metal Detector

Of all the world’s minerals, gold is among the most revered. Since the dawn of time, it’s been prized as a symbol of wealth and a means of trade. There are several ways to find gold; one extremely useful tool for gold hunters is a metal detector. Luckily, gold metal detectors are custom made for the purpose of pinpointing gold in the ground, sand, iron ore fields, rivers/streams and even in the ocean water. In this article, we have some thoughts for Dakota Matrix readers on selecting the best gold prospecting metal detectors from industry specialist Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com in Southborough, MA.

When prospecting for gold, you can choose to search for natural gold nuggets or even entire veins of gold. There are gold metal detectors that can find very small gold nuggets as well as slightly larger nuggets at greater depths. Then, there are deep penetrating models for larger gold treasures that are the most difficult to search and locate. Locating that elusive gold nugget or gold flake can become a reality with the correct equipment.

In addition to recovering gold with a metal detector, you may uncover other minerals in your search. Gold is often associated with iron oxides, sulfides, Silver, Quartz and Garnets. In placers, gold is sometimes found among other dense minerals such as garnet, magnetite and even diamonds! So, not only can you turn up prized gold when metal detecting, it’s a great way to score other valuable minerals.

Where Should You Begin Prospecting for Gold?

Anywhere that gold nuggets have been found in the past. In other words, any gold-bearing area. Use your metal detector to search an entire area where you know others have found gold. Almost any research books on past mining operations and other related topics can help you locate prospective metal detecting areas.

What Metal Detectors Should You Use for Discovering Gold?

As mentioned, gold detectors have a one-minded design. But there are definite features you can look for in a detector. The most common technology used for detecting gold is a Very Low Frequency model with higher frequency. These detectors are very sensitive to gold, detecting smaller nuggets. VLF circuits are also sensitive to minerals in the soil, but the detector can be tuned to filter out interference. Pulse Induction detectors can ignore other ground mineral conditions and interference to find gold nuggets at extreme depths. Researching the best gold metal detectors is a good investment of your time and will assure that you pick out the right equipment.

Gold Prospecting Accessories

Metal detecting accessories are extremely important to be successful in your quest for gold.

Earphones: A necessity for nugget hunting as the tiniest nuggets are typically difficult to hear without them.
Coil Cover: This will protect the bottom and sides of the coil and give it a much longer life.
Gold Pick: There are many types to choose from.
Gold Pan: To be used to separate the gold from the soil.

Prospecting for gold can be an exciting adventure. Do your research and always be sure that you have permission to hunt on the property that you are on. Pack the right equipment for your expedition and always remember to bring an extra set of batteries. You will absolutely have a great time on your adventure and who knows, you might strike it rich!


According to Michael Bernzweig, Gold nuggets are found by MetalDetector.com customers in placer areas, on layers of bedrock and in streams.	MetalDetector.com customers find that Panning for gold nuggets is a sure way to get dirty and have some fun.	Prospecting metal detectors are great for hunting for nuggets of gold in and around river beds according to Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com.