At Pirateering, we thought it might be good to talk about this subject more thoroughly, in order to help you get a better understanding of what types of metal detectors are the best to use to locate gold.
Metal detectors can detect gold and silver. They can detect other valuable metals as well. Moreover, some metal detectors are designed especially for the purpose of seeking precious metals. However, most gold detectors are far too expensive to justify the cost of purchasing them, because the gold they find cannot compensate for it.
Yes, there are specific types of metal detectors made for different conditions in which you are finding gold, which are capable of detecting gold. To a degree, all metal detectors can detect gold, but the types most effective at detecting it are the Very Low Frequency (VLF) metal detectors and Pulse Induction (PI) detectors.
Gold detection does not operate the same way as for other common metals; it works by inducing a pulse that is present in the detector; moreover, metal detectors operate at a different frequency. Compared with other metals, gold has lower conducting properties, meaning a detector operating at higher frequencies will work better.
Low-Frequency Detectors Struggle to Find Gold
Detectors operating at lower frequencies are not as good at finding gold due to gold’s small size and low conductivity. Metal detectors with higher frequencies are usually better at finding gold because they are better at identifying smaller materials with precision, and gold is also better conductive in higher-frequency waves compared to lower ones. Low-frequency instruments are best for finding high-conductive metals such as silver, whereas higher-frequency instruments detect lower-conductive metals (such as iron and gold). These settings are preferred to detect low-conductivity nonferrous metals, such as iron or stainless steel.
When shopping for an ideal metal detector to locate gold or other precious materials, be sure to look at discrimination features, operating frequencies, the metal detector’s type, price, search coil selection, and environment. If you want to get the most out of your time searching, there are many specifications and features of metal detectors that are unique and specific to gold. The best way to make sure that you are getting a quality gold detector for your endeavor is by conducting a thorough search and arming yourself with crucial information. This guide is full of helpful information to help you make the right choices so you can begin digging your own personal gold.
Tips for Prospective Prospectors
Rule Number One when starting a prospecting trip to gold is to first study your prospecting territory. Before you get started, it is best to research the rules and regulations of the areas where you plan on prospecting for gold, because some national parks have different rules that could cause you to miss your haul. Understanding how a gold detector works is crucial in order to maximize your gold prospecting adventure.
Buying the best gold detector has never been an easy endeavor considering the various brands on the market. To find a better choice, we have dug deep into reviews and recommendations of those who have used a detector and had success finding gold. Among the favorites are the Minelab CTX-3030, Garrett AT Gold, the Fisher Gold Bug, and several other detectors that span the range of prices and features offered.
If you are looking for a gold-detecting, underwater, scuba-friendly detector, check out the Garrett AT Gold, mentioned above. The Garrett AT Gold is an excellent, affordable metal detector which includes all of the features that you will need to have a successful prospecting trip for gold such as Manual and Automatic Ground Balance Modes, as well as the unique Ground Balance Window(tm) function that optimizes its performance on the heavily mineralized soils that are the majority of the gold found. Additionally, the Garrett AT Gold has All Metals mode, giving the detector incredible depth of search and sensitivity.
Why People Choose Gold Detectors
One reason for choosing the Gold Detector is because it boasts a number of features which makes it more effective, including high frequencies, ability to locate small nuggets of gold, effectiveness on heavily mineralized soils, and great discrimination capabilities. As with all VLF metal detectors, it may be difficult to work in high-mineralized soils, but under ideal conditions, the SuperTRAQ is capable of detecting even these small gold nuggets. Equipped with an even larger coil, the GPX 5000 is still the best detector on the market at finding large gold nuggets in extreme depths.
The Gold Bug Pro is not going to find as much at greater depths as a pulse-induction detector, but it does a very good job of handling hot soil for a VLF detector, and has accurate discrimination. The Gold Bug 2 is incredibly sensitive, and it is capable of finding tiny crumbs of gold so tiny that it would barely register on a digital scale. In fact, the Gold Bug Pro is my VLF personal detector, which I use when working in shallow soil, mostly because I simply love how easy and fun it is to use.
It is easily one of the easiest detectors that I have used, and with a little experience, I feel a novice can begin finding gold in a short period of time using this detector. The sensitivity on the Fisher Gold Bug is best-in-class and combined with its big LCD screen and lightweight, it is truly a joy to use. If you are looking for ultra-sensitive gold performance at an excellent price, then the GOLD MONSTER 1000 is the detector you have been waiting for.
Gold Detectors Are Rarely Worth It
If you are considering turning a profit, then I want to mention you need to view this purchase as an investment, and rule of thumb is, the higher priced, the better detector. You are going to pay more for a metal detector that finds gold, but if you are able to make a find, and it does not need to be a large find, that one piece of gold that you found can pay off that high-priced metal detector and then some. First off, you may be able to find gold nuggets using a metal detector, but only if this detector has the features to sift through levels and an option for finding gold, among other features.
Pi detectors do not have any good discrimination features, which means that you can potentially dig up lots of pieces of old iron or other metals that you would rather not find. Most gold camps are strewn with pieces of iron trash, including shoe strings, old cans, rusted nails, old cans, etc. If you become lazy with the digging and begin relying too heavily on discrimination features, you might struggle to find any gold. The reason is because the soil is full of pieces of metal, like aluminum foil, tin cans, iron nails, and screws.
High mineralization means that there are lots of minerals, like salts, in the soil around the place where the gold is, so getting property conductivity, which allows for the metal to be detected, may be difficult. Unfortunately, most gold-detecting areas contain inevitable trash which can hinder your equipment when searching for precious metals. Entry-level gold detectors typically have a degree of earth balance, target identification, depth gauge, precision capabilities, and a few decent features to discriminate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Let us say that you are considering metal detection as a hobby, or even as a career, pursuing gold. Gold may be highly alluring, after all, it is a rare precious metal, but with the proper gear and plenty of time, you could get really good at hunting for gold, and perhaps even earn a little bit of wealth. The Nokta Fors Gold also has a few cool features not found in other detectors, plus it’s priced extremely competitively.
