The subject of luminous gases is quite complex. It has been covered to an extent here in TN before.
It originated in the old world and was exported to the new one. The Jesuits themselves report of it successfully finding treasure and mineral veins. they also gave steps on how to eliminate these gases when hiding a treasure. HMMM, very interesting, no? Now just why would they do that ?
This luminous gas was undoubtedly seen by the Indians, but since it was of no importance to them, they probably did not follow up on it. They had many extremely rich outcroppings available to work for their needs.
Many of the successful mines in the new world, as well as treasures, were found following luminous gases.
When I first embarked in treasure hunting in Mexico, I heard so many tales of luminous gasses indicating where buried metal or mineral veins were, that I embarked upon a campaign to educate these poor,
--deleted-- Indians in the facts of life and scientific knowedge.
After finding many tincans, garbage dumps, a few veins, I surrendered when I found a large silver platter with one following the traditonal bluish light for Silver, sigh.
Before anyone asks, yes, the lights did disappear in the areas where I had recovered metal. NO ! I have never found any Gold with lights.
However, I will not go out of my way to check on a light, since it's exit path from a buried mass of metal, is often many meters from the metal itself.
Incidentally, the gas is supposedly similar in color to the metal emiting it, which makes sense if you can understand the process / theory. Golden for Gold, bluish for Silver, Reddish for Cooper, whitish for Iron etc., etc.
Yes, I do know several people that became wealthy through fires, and also lost two treasures by waiting too long and someone else finding them by a %^$$%## fire.
Don Jose de La Mancha