Geology degrees and knowledge.

[blackchipjim]

Good afternoon to all, so as I sit pondering if I will ever have enough of a knowledge base to prospect for gold properly I turn to audience once again. I have for a better part of two years watched countless videos on rocks and minerals. Most on you tube but other sources as well that are available on the Internet if for no other reason than availability. I have learned a lot but not enough and will continue to learn both on the net and in the field when possible. My big question how many of the miners here are certified or have been doing this for a really long time.I am impressed by most of you on this site by the way.

 

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[blackchipjim]

Yeah I'm trying to recover from an operation I had last month. When I retire I want to be able to devote my winters in Arizona mining. Til then I have to settle for short vacations out there.

 

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[WaProspecting]

Check the deposit information and see what people are pulling out. Lots of people drill, surface prospect and record but never get the mineral rights. The deposit pdf file if it has one will most likely breakdown everything in that area and give the percentages and chemical structure in the ground. Then just do your research and type in the minerals or chemical formulas you don't understand. I wish I was a Geo Nerd for the quick identification skills but that's about it.

 

[Assembler]

Check the deposit information and see what people are pulling out. Lots of people drill, surface prospect and record but never get the mineral rights. The deposit pdf file if it has one will most likely breakdown everything in that area and give the percentages and chemical structure in the ground. Then just do your research and type in the minerals or chemical formulas you don't understand. I wish I was a Geo Nerd for the quick identification skills but that's about it.

If you happen to come across "Plat" and "Legal significance of the Monument" information about 'Mineral rights' would love to look at.
Geologists would be up on the sub-surface maps about the different types of mineral deposits.

 

[WaProspecting]

Usually I just use them for basic information on the area and get a generalization of what's in the ground. Then map the areas where I know is open because I rather not deal with any legal issues or the government (forgot to stick that in). But you can always check the Land Database website with the Section of the area you want to search. This will bring up everything that the land was used for in that Section like patients, homestead approvals, mill sites, old lode claims, cash sales, etc. I usually research if its open or call the department and give them the exact location I want to prospect (Can't hurt to try because all they can really do is say no or that you need a permit). Sometimes they will even go and check the location before giving you the go ahead to prospect. I just won't fully trust a Non profit website that isn't ran by the government because they won't have all the information you need to enjoy this hobby and why pay them for something you can call in about. On most websites you can see the claims but you can't see the small things in between like homes, property lines, patients, permits, land conservation areas, grazing areas, etc.

I usually go to the thediggings and the other websites to gather the information on claims/deposits then take this information and plug it into google to find the PDF Files. Then I map all the locations from each website to one map. I use the Land database to really break down the areas that are open and find out what people use the land for in that area. I have found full reports almost 20 pages long on whats below my feet and the percentage they calculated. Doesn't help that much with rockhounding but you can kinda take a guess off the chemical makeup. I would just call with the place you want to prospect and just ask if its open or if you need a permit before going. Hope this helps...

 

[russau]

My Land Matters Dot Com is the place to go for correct info on a area!

 

[WaProspecting]

My Land Matters Dot Com is the place to go for correct info on a area!

That is just one place for information on active claims and it doesn't give you the small details I'm looking for. I always used Land matters and thediggings but that's mainly to see active claims and if the spot is open. With the website below you can research documents from the 1800's. It might not hold information on claims but it does provide survey and other information that you can use for your benefit. Some of the old survey documents actually hold the old mining sites in Plat Image (I found one that was from the 1890's that showed mining operations in a location that wasn't provided by any other website). You could also use this information in metal detecting because it provides locations of early homesteads and land grants that date back to the 1800's (With owners name). You would still need to call or do research before prospecting that area. Some states actually have a geology publication database that is ran by the government but you would have to do your research to see if your state has one.

glorecords.blm.gov

 

[Clay Diggins]

That is just one place for information on active claims and it doesn't give you the small details I'm looking for. I always used Land matters and thediggings but that's mainly to see active claims and if the spot is open. With the website below you can research documents from the 1800's. It might not hold information on claims but it does provide survey and other information that you can use for your benefit. Some of the old survey documents actually hold the old mining sites in Plat Image (I found one that was from the 1890's that showed mining operations in a location that wasn't provided by any other website). You could also use this information in metal detecting because it provides locations of early homesteads and land grants that date back to the 1800's (With owners name). You would still need to call or do research before prospecting that area. Some states actually have a geology publication database that is ran by the government but you would have to do your research to see if your state has one.

glorecords.blm.gov

Actually WaProspecting Land Matters does offer mapping of mineral patents with links to the original plats, grants and surveys.

Unfortunately the only states where that mapping is available is on the California, Colorado and Arizona Mining Claims Maps. Those are the result of a pilot program that for the most part has gone unnoticed.

Land Matters has plans to provide mineral patent mapping as well as map access to all 6 million land patents throughout the United States. It's a very big project but it is doable.

Unfortunately we've gotten very little interest or support for expanding that function. With limited funds we try to work on the most requested features first. Although internally Land Matters considers easy access to patent information to be very important it's kinda simmering on the back burner until the public interest and funding create a priority.

You might also want to check out the "Special Surveys" layer found on all the Mining Claims and Land Status maps at Land Matters. That layer shows the bounds and survey number of all the irregular surveys. This includes mineral surveys whether or not they were ever taken to patent. Most of the Special Surveys in the Mining States were surveys for lode claims. This is information beyond just patented claims and includes all the registered mineral surveys. Very useful for the astute researcher.

Heavy Pans

 

[WaProspecting]

Actually WaProspecting Land Matters does offer mapping of mineral patents with links to the original plats, grants and surveys.

Unfortunately the only states where that mapping is available is on the California, Colorado and Arizona Mining Claims Maps. Those are the result of a pilot program that for the most part has gone unnoticed.

Land Matters has plans to provide mineral patent mapping as well as map access to all 6 million land patents throughout the United States. It's a very big project but it is doable.

Unfortunately we've gotten very little interest or support for expanding that function. With limited funds we try to work on the most requested features first. Although internally Land Matters considers easy access to patent information to be very important it's kinda simmering on the back burner until the public interest and funding create a priority.

You might also want to check out the "Special Surveys" layer found on all the Mining Claims and Land Status maps at Land Matters. That layer shows the bounds and survey number of all the irregular surveys. This includes mineral surveys whether or not they were ever taken to patent. Most of the Special Surveys in the Mining States were surveys for lode claims. This is information beyond just patented claims and includes all the registered mineral surveys. Very useful for the astute researcher.

Heavy Pans

I just rather use the government site for searching documents because they can at least map the info and the mapping system isn't a joke. Last time I used land matters it was actually frustrating to use ( I have to wait for the map to load almost every time... which is a joke right because its 2018?? and it looks like it was coded in the 1990s). No offence if you designed it but the site does need work before I start using it again especially for the little things. My research would take twice as long trying to get information from this site then it would from the government.

It's nice to see active claims but that's about it from the site. I also won't trust a non profit website for legal information because if you don't provide the right information its not like you get busted for it. I'm actually working on combining 4 websites into one and mapping all the active claims from this website to another map because I rather not deal with the mapping system on this site. I will also be able to post notes, geo reports, patents, private lands,grants, etc on the new map unlike this one. I took a basic geology course in college and this post was about learning. I was just stating if you do your own research and mapping you can actually learn quite a bit and you wouldn't need to waste money sitting in a classroom.

 

[Clay Diggins]

I just rather use the government site for searching documents because they can at least map the info and the mapping system isn't a joke. Last time I used land matters it was actually frustrating to use ( I have to wait for the map to load almost every time... which is a joke right because its 2018?? and it looks like it was coded in the 1990s). No offence if you designed it but the site does need work before I start using it again especially for the little things. My research would take twice as long trying to get information from this site then it would from the government.

It's nice to see active claims but that's about it from this site. I also won't trust a non profit website for legal information because if you don't provide the right information its not like you get busted for it. I'm actually working on combining 4 websites into one and mapping all the active claims from this website to another map because I rather not deal with the mapping system on this site. I will also be able to post notes, geo reports, patents, private lands,grants, etc on the new map unlike this one.

Yeah that's what I thought.

Well ... good luck to you ... and google

 

[Clay Diggins]

For those of you who have not experienced the great new mapping application at the General Land Office you can "map" HERE just like WaProspecting.

And HERE is the link to the BLM's new mapping application to replace the geocommunicator. Enjoy the freedom, speed and accuracy of government mapping at it's finest.

100s of millions of dollars worth of free government mapping at your fingertips. Heck you paid for it so you might as well enjoy the great systems your tax money built.

If you see any features on those maps you would like to see on Land Matters just let me know!

Heavy Irony

 

[WaProspecting]

Never once stated I just google lol Someone seems butt hurt.... If you read my earlier posts I also stated that I use those sites but you can also find information through the government websites and google to help expand your knowledge. This post was about geology and knowledge, not about your website.... I really doubt your website has all the documents that the government has posted throughout every state.

 

[WaProspecting]

I also doubt it has the geologist reports I have been reading for the past two years in my state. Because when I research other states they don't have the same Publication database as we do. So please go on with how your website is the absolute best to find information.

This is the correct link
https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx

 

[Goldwasher]

MLM maps have the link to the GLO built in... the library has the reports.

Its more up to date than the diggings and has the links to the county recorder ..though not all counties have docs. on line.

Links to blm serial registry built in.

Also historical claim data has returned.

The map loads slow if you don't turn off all the layers before you zoom.

people tend to complain about how something doesn't work without admitting how much they don't know how to use it

Thanks for all your thankless work Barry. I'm glad I can help you when I can you deserve it.

 

[WaProspecting]

Stop promoting his website whens it's not the best for all the information. Yes, It's great to see claims and about mining but if you want other information you do have to research. You can use other research tools to help you in this trade/hobby and you're not just limited to that one LOL. Like you just stated, it doesn't have all the states and they are links to the GLO. I already know how to use government websites due to the fact I was a permit specialist. I also use google because people will post individual reports that aren't accessible on any website you know about or created. This doesn't mean I use that mapping system to create my own which shows how ignorant he is because I never said that once.

I'll leave it at this, if you want to limit your learning capabilities then only use Land Matters. If you want to expand your knowledge on the trade and learn about geology then I recommend branching out and doing time researching individual reports, University reports, government reports, going to the public library, GOOGLING, etc.

 

[Bejay]

One thing I have learned in life: Everyone has their own way of doing things. If it works for you and you are happy; that is fine and dandy. This forum is always a place to gain insight and has always offered opinions. Land Matters is constantly updating its' capabilities and information, and no doubt it has some limited "gather time"....in other words: information has to be placed and available to the public before Land Matters can gather it. That very same information "when made public" is available to all....but Land Matters will attempt to bring it all into one inet cite for access by any who choose to use it. Just an attempt to help people who may not know all the other places to look.

Bejay

 

[Goldwasher]

stop promoting his website...lol. I'm a paying sponsor.

I didn't say it was the only source. Try calming down a little bit.

There are many things that can need to and will be added to MLM as it gets more support from users and industry people like me and the other sponsors.

Your starting to approach insult vs. conversation and input. Tread lightly new guy.

 

[Clay Diggins]

Since the subject is Geology it might be useful to know that the entire 90,000+ USGS geologic map catalogue is available from Land Matters with just a click on any of the State Geology Maps.

Just select your state of interest and zoom into the area you want to study. Click on the map in information mode and choose the "Map List" link in the window under "Link to more geologic maps". A new page will open with links to all the geologic maps for that area. Pick the maps you are interested in and click their titles to download. It's really just that simple!

Those confusing letter designations on the rock types are not consistent from map to map. Each geologist uses their own notation on each map so what might be granodiorite on one map marked Xg could be Tkg on another map. Geologists are very independent types so you will need to pay close attention to the legend supplied with each map to understand what the symbology on that particular map means.

The Geology structures displayed on the Land Matters State Geology Maps are an experiment in a general "unified geology". The symbology and colors of geologic units does not change from map to map. Once again using the information mode a click on a geologic unit will bring up a window that displays the map symbol, description and name for that unit as well as a link to much more detailed information for that particular rock type and area. On the "Detailed Geological Classification" link you will also find the cites for the information displayed on the map. Follow up on those cites and read the reports the geologist created the map from. Surprisingly often those reports will tell you just how, why and where the gold is being deposited.

For the new researcher it would be useful to look around areas that show different rock type interfaces, faults and dike swarms. Avoid sedimentary rock types if you are looking for lode minerals. Look for earlier era gravel deposits on shallow bedrock. Generally avoid recent holocene gravel deposits if there are earlier known gravel deposits in the same area. Gravels are generally denoted with a capital Q followed by a lower case letter. For instance Qy usually, but not always, indicates Holocene (recent) gravel deposits.

If you know of a good gold bearing area study the geology of that area and how the different geologic units relate to the known mineral deposits. Look for similar geologic relationships nearby to find other areas of higher mineral potential. This is very location specific but it is a very useful method once you understand the local deposit geology.

An example of that process is how the placer gold deposits in Gold Basin, Arizona are formed. In Gold Basin there are non gold bearing Holocene (recent) gravels covering much earlier gold bearing aluvial fanglomerate gravels. Where the older gravels are exposed through erosion the gold from the underlying deposit is concentrated in rich pockets near the surface. Knowing the geology, terrain and water flow/erosion patterns can lead you to the productive locations in Gold Basin rather than working the non gold bearing surface gravels.

Although the Gold Basin example seems like a simple solution you need to realize each deposit is different. On the other side of the mountains from Gold Basin are the rich Lost Basin placers around Meadview. Although the terrain appears virtually identical on first sight the geology that created the gold deposits there is entirely different than the geology of Gold Basin. The knowledge and methods that are productive in Gold Basin when applied to Lost basin will leave you empty handed.

In one area the gold might be found very near it's source in an eluvial deposit or it might be a stranded aluvial bench deposit on the side of a mountain. It's not all about the inside bend or using a sluice. Gold is where you find it. Studying the geology of a gold bearing area can first of all help eliminate the places that you will not find gold and then help you understand where the conditions are right to potentially find a good deposit.

A good working knowledge of the geology of a potential prospecting area can get you on better gold quicker. Combine that with a knowledge of what lands are open to prospecting and claim and you are going to have a much better chance of getting on a good gold deposit right from your first day of boots on the ground. And that is what it's all about isn't it?

Educate Yourself and Prosper!

Heavy Pans

 

[WaProspecting]

stop promoting his website...lol. I'm a paying sponsor.

I didn't say it was the only source. Try calming down a little bit.

There are many things that can need to and will be added to MLM as it gets more support from users and industry people like me and the other sponsors.

Your starting to approach insult vs. conversation and input. Tread lightly new guy.

You should talk to the owner/designer that started it then Also he keeps posting the wrong links that I don't even use, trying to promote his site and only his site for information on this hobby. Not stupid when it comes to business because I competed internationally in college for many different events.
Also the mapping system is horrible to use in my opinion and he got butt hurt when I told him. He was still trying to tell me it was better and that he had all the information even though I have checked plenty of times. If you want to learn about geology Land Matters is not the place to go. It might have some information but other websites do provide a better layout and sometimes the full pdf file. Also stating that I'm stupid and don't know how to use his website when I'm a professional researcher in real life and have done mapping in the past just shows me the kind of person he is.

 

[Bejay]

A professional researcher. No kidding. I guess you expect everyone to have your expertise....and you are not stupid and have a history of international competition. One thing is certain: you sure lack respectful communication skills. Talk about butt hurt! Everyone has tried to calm you down and that is to no avail. I think it is time for the moderator to end this. Your comment "I know what kind of person he is" is over the top. Time for this thread to halt.

Bejay

 

[WaProspecting]

A professional researcher. No kidding. I guess you expect everyone to have your expertise....and you are not stupid and have a history of international competition. One thing is certain: you sure lack respectful communication skills. Talk about butt hurt! Everyone has tried to calm you down and that is to no avail. I think it is time for the moderator to end this. Your comment "I know what kind of person he is" is over the top. Time for this thread to halt.

Bejay

Not mad at all... Tried to give my opinion but someone didn't like it.
I would recommend if you need money, start posting advertisements and start taking view counts. Then presenting that information to companies. You would be surprised how much a company would pay for some of those spots on that website (depending on view count). You have a whole grass land picture and wooden picture that takes up a good amount space on that website. You could also end up posting links from local mining stores and make profit off each item sold. Then you could pay a professional to design and maintain the website. (About $100,000 for a professional coded website and that's not including the mapping/databases that would load instantly) This would make it more enjoyable/family friendly to use. You could afford this just through advertisements or store links and make this website the best in my opinion.