GENERAL HINTS.
What to Look for. The importance to the prospector of knowing something
about rocks becomes apparent. In a granite country it is evident that he may
expect tin as well as a variety of other minerals, and should consequently
know the ores of tin like
cassiterite (and they often do not look like metallic ores) so as to
be able to recognize them. In a limestone belt,
galena, iron and zinc are specialties. In a country made up
of volcanic and eruptive rocks, it is useless to look for coal; but in such
a country, where a belt of hot springs follow the junction of eruptive
rocks, especially basalt, with a group of sedimentary strata, the ores of
quicksilver like
cinnabar should be in his mind. In a belt of hornblende rocks he may
devote his energies to
asbestos, soapstone and
chromite, as well as to the precious metals, and in sandstone and
shale regions the outlook should be kept for coal, fire clays, iron,
rock salt and
gypsum. In a coal belt it is almost useless to expect mineral veins,
for apparently no fissures made through a coal bed carry ore in the rocks
above the coal, whatever they may do below. Any one who will take the
trouble to put down the mineral occurrences in any extended region will soon
discover that they resolve themselves into a series of belts corresponding
with the rock formation of the country, indicating most unmistakably the
little understood relation between them. In the large basaltic areas but
little of interest or value need be expected, except such minerals as opal,
etc. ; nor is it any use to search for the soluble minerals, such as
saltpeter, in any but excessively hot regions of depression, without
drainage outlets, and surrounded by volcanic or eruptive rocks.
Where to Search. Above all things the prospector's search should first be through all the accessible regions of a mineral country, for in such districts a much smaller ore body and a much lower grade of ore may be more valuable financially than greater size and richness in less accessible localities amid mountain fastnesses and eternal snows. It is time to enter these when all others are exhausted, though their fascination is so extreme that it is to them that the hopeful adventurer first directs his footsteps.
Prime Requisites. What is wanted by the capitalist is a large ore body, fair average quality, good working facilities and reasonably easy access. Given these, there is usually no difficulty in securing all the capital necessary. The want of any of these qualities in the mine renders the task more difficult. Outfit. The extent of equipment will vary according to the character of the country to be traversed, the distance from supply points, and whether the prospector has any means of conveyance, such as a pack horse or burro, or has to carry everything himself. It is unnecessary to speak here of clothing, blankets, food, etc., further than to say that the lined and riveted canvas suits are perhaps the most serviceable, and that comfortable as well as strong boots are an important item.
Among the details of equipment the following may be mentioned. The horn spoon is preferable to the gold pan or batea for prospecting, as being more convenient to carry (it can go in a pocket) and in use requires very little water, and does not fatigue the user by causing prolonged stooping. A small bottle of quicksilver will be found useful when testing for gold in a very fine state. A compass with folding sights and a3-in. needle will help in laying off ground and connecting a location with other monuments or landmarks. A tape is not necessary, as one can be improvised from well stretched linen cord, standardized by some measure before starting and knotted at 1ft., 1 yd., 10 yds. and 50 ft. long. If a regular tape is taken that with steel wire interwoven is preferable to a heavy steel tape, or a small self-winding narrow steel tape can be had, which occupies less than the space of a watch. A small bar magnet is useful in cleaning up pannings. In this connection it may be noted that in the absence of a regular gold pan very good results can be obtained with almost any sort of a receptacle, such as a frying pan, tin dish, etc.
For testing sulfides and dark minerals generally a white surface is preferable, such as that of a saucer or small bowl, in using which when taking samples from a wet crushing battery care must be taken to avoid overflow and consequent concentration if quantitative results are wanted. When sampling placer ground two buckets are very handy, to be used by washing from one to the other. To examine ores, float, pan or horn residues and rock minerals a lens is almost indispensable, and the small powerful Coddington style is perhaps best. It can be hung to the watch guard.
Every prospector ought to have some knowledge of the use of the blowpipe in determining ores and minerals and making rough quantitative assays. The whole blowpipe kit necessary can go in the smallest size cigar box. The cheap black blowpipe answers as well as an expensive platinum-tipped one, and a tallow candle is for most purposes better than the alcohol or oil lamp. The half-dozen reagents suggest themselves. A small streak plate should be included in the kit.
As to tools, the selection will depend upon means of carriage and whether any real opening work is intended. In prospecting in a bare, rocky country where no digging is required, a light poll pick, with say a 3-lb. head or even lighter, is generally sufficient, as this tool combines pick with hammer. Regular geological hammers of peculiar shape and special steel can be bought or made by any good blacksmith, but are rather ornamental than necessary. Of course if there are two or more in the party each should take a different tool. If there is a pack animal, then a light working pick and small short handled shovel will be taken. However, as to all these matters prospectors of any experience do not need to be told what is necessary.
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Gold And Silver Basic Prospecting Methods
