So Cal maps

[Airr04]

I would really like to get my hands on some old maps. Any help on where to start? I want to start prospecting but want to start with an old geo/mineral map.

 

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[Airr04]

Well I went out behind a park near my house. Hit an old creek bed, didn't get any gold but I did have lots of black left in my pan. every pan " about 10" had a tbs of black at the end. Is that what I'm looking for? Other than gold of course.

 

[Old Bookaroo]

Airr04:

Why would you prefer an old geo/mineral map to a new one?

Good luck to all,

~The Old Bookaroo

 

[Airr04]

Not sure other than collecting a display one. Also not sure if there would be any sites that would be left off the new ones. I guess both would be better in that case. I'm a rookie.

 

[Old Bookaroo]

Airr04:

Almost every state has a department of mines, minerals or geology. Most of them have issued very interesting publications that are accurate and inexpensive. Most sell maps, as well.

Some of the best from a "hobby perspective" came out in the 1930's, when state and the Federal government government were teaching people to pan for gold during The Great Depression.

Many of the Western states' publications have been reprinted by private individuals. My point out is the information is accessible and generally not expensive.

What state are you interested in exploring? Perhaps I could offer you a few suggestions.

Good luck to all,

~The Old Bookaroo

 

[Airr04]

I'm stationed in San Diego now. So far it's very fun going out hiking and snagging some random dirt using my best slightly educated guess on the topic. But so far no gold in the pan but lots of black sand so I guess my technique is good.?

 

[Old Bookaroo]

Airr04:

The great Karl von Mueller observed that beginner's luck doesn't often work in prospecting.

There are some excellent books on the subject that you might want to take a look at. Von Mernewitz wrote the classic Handbook for Prospectors and Operators of Small Mines (several editions). This might be too technical for many people. It was rewritten and updated by Richard M. Pearl: Handbook for Prospectors (many editions).

KvonM brought to the attention of many hobbyists Ernest Wolff's Handbook for the Alaskan Prospector (1964). There is a lot of good information here for gold seekers in the lower 48.

Chances are your local library can obtain these via the inter-library loan system. Find the one that suits you best and study it. It will be time well spent!

Good luck to all,

~The Old Bookaroo