Resources

I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all of your gold prospecting needs. I’ll add to it as I learn more, so I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!

Online Suppliers

  • Kellyco Detectors

    The best online metal detector store, they have a huge range of all the popular metal detector brands, like White’s, Garret, Minelab, and Fisher.

  • Black Cat Mining

    A great mining equipment store that is a family business run by Eathan and Lindsey Mertz and their little son Oliver. I like family businesses and I’m sure they’ll do their best to satisfy all your prospecting needs.

Books

  • Gold Mining in the 21ST Century: This is probably the most up to date book on gold prospecting. It covers all of the important subjects; including what gold is and looks like, where it comes from and where to find it, how gold deposits and how to find and recover it, and also touches on the legal aspects of how to claim the gold for yourself. The book covers up-to-date mining procedures of panning gold, sluicing, dredging, high banking, dry washing, electronic probing, hardrock mining, basic refining techniques, cleaning procedures, selling gold, and much, much more.
  • Recreational Gold Prospecting for Fun and Profit: A straightforward book that covers all the basics including where and how to pan for gold, plus a look at prospecting equipment.
  • Gold Prospector’s Handbook: A favorite of many gold prospectors, this book covers both basic and advanced prospecting techniques.

Websites

  • Gold Spot Price: Check the daily and historic price of gold.
  • Big Ten’s Gold Prospecting and Panning Maps: Charles A. Overbey, an engineer, pilot and former NASA executive, has researched federal and state geological records and has authored a series of detailed maps for gold prospecting, gold panning, treasure hunting and rockhounding. His maps show thousands of specific sites where gold has been found. They’re well worth the price.
  • California Gold Country: Informative website about the California Gold Country, lots of history, images and other interesting stuff.
  • Gold Placer: A website dedicated to placer gold.
  • The Rocker Box: Great articles on gold prospecting, metal detecting and treasure hunting.
  • Bedrock Dreams: I really like this blog. The writer J.R. has been placer mining recreationally for over 30 years and has written 290 articles so far covering gold mining and treasure hunting. That’s a lot of information!

If you found this resource useful, please share it with your friends. Also, be sure to bookmark this page and check back in the future. I will add to it as I find more helpful resources. Subscribe to future articles for free by Email or RSS. If you have Twitter you can also follow @OperationGold.