First Trip Experiance

[H&F909ORO]

Hi all

Im back from my first trip up in gold country. I got maybe 5 gallons of dirt that I have brought back up with me but, I have a problem.

Does anyone know if what I have is gold? Its looks like a shiny color and is not really yellow but when you reflect it, it is shiny. Is it gold? NEED HELP, found on the American River

 

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[DizzyDigger]

I believe the American River holds a lot of mica flakes as
well as some pyrite.

Got pics?

 

[H&F909ORO]

Whats a mica gold flake?

Ya, I got some pics let me up load them now

 

[H&F909ORO]

I think I did this right, but there they are.

 

[Goodyguy]

Nope, pretty sure it's not gold.

Turn it in the light and look for color change if it is bright and shiny in only one direction not gold.
If you can crumble it with pliers not gold.

 

[H&F909ORO]

I took it apart with some plastic pliers. It's flaky and seems to only shine on one side too. Since it isn't gold what is it?

 

[G1sammons]

Mica

 

[Sawyer]

I had a lot of trouble telling gold from mica and pyrite in the beginning. Both of them will float out during the panning process and real gold will go to the bottom of the pan if you keep your mix liquid and agitate often. Some great videos on YouTube to help you learn the process! Best of Luck to you.

 

[H&F909ORO]

Thanks for the tip, I was worried it might be gold and while panning it would just fall out. I got just the gold to worry about now thanks All.