Mining in British Columbia:
Types of Mining:
There are two types of mining; "Placer" and "Hardrock". Under both categories you will find "Claims" and "Leases". If you refer to the above map you will notice some areas are a deeper pink than others - this denotes a lease; while the lighter pink denote claims. The majority of information on this web site will be "Placer Claim" based as Placer Leases are for miners who have been in the business for awhile and "Hardrock or Underground" (depending upon which part of the country your from) is just too expensive for most individuals.
Prospecting:
With gold continuing to climb in value due to the uncertainty in the world, many are interested in prospecting; but "Don't Quit Your Day Job". If you think all you have to do is walk out to some creek or river, sink your shovel in the ground and your pan will now be full of gold; there is no harm in being optomistic! If gold were that easy to get, then it wouldn't be worth the price it is.
Instead, why not look at prospecting as the avenue that allows you to experience: adventure; clean air, clean water, wildlife and plenty of exercise. Then any gold you find is a bonus to a memorable time.
What is Gold?:
The scientific symbol for Gold is "Au". Gold is a bright brass yellow colour, naturally occuring valuable metal. Not all gold is found in water, it depends where and when it came to rest millions of years ago and the degree of erosion that has taken place over the eons. For the majority of miners it is easier to access and process the gold found in water which looks much like the colour of a gold ring purchased at a jewelers, although it be in a variety of shapes. When it is in this condition, it means the gold has travelled a distance from its original source as it has been cleaned by the sand and rocks as it tumbled along in the waterways.
Gold is a soft metal and registers 2.5 on Moh's Hardness Scale. It is easily scratched by a sharp object (hunting knife). When pounded with a hammer gold will bend into a new shape.
The most distinguishing feature of gold is it's weight; and has a specific gravity of 19.3. What this means is that the metal is 19.3 times heavier than an equal volume of water. Pure Gold melts at 1063°C and boils at 2600°C. Gold is 6 times heavier than the other material found along with it. Gold and Platinum are not affected by a magnet. If your still not sure whether or not it is gold, you can use Nitric Acid. This acid will dissolve lead, brass and iron but will not bother gold or platinum.
Many beginners are often confused between "Gold" and "Pyrite" (fool's gold) which is also a brass-yellow colour and that is where the similarity ends. To clarify what it is, simply pound your sample with a hammer or a rock. If it is gold - it will flatten, if it is pyrite - it will either shatter or be crushed into powder.