Where and how to find gold ?

Gold is used for many purposes: to design our jewelry and coins, to manufacture electronic components or to produce gold bars. But before these transformations, it is simply a mineral, which exists in its raw state almost everywhere on our Earth. It is above all buried in the earth's crust, which explains the presence of gold mines dug into the rock. But certain geological events bring it to the surface in the form of deposits of all kinds, particularly in rivers. 

The famous golden metal is found in all parts of the world. But of course, in certain areas, the presence of gold-bearing rocks and faults makes the discovery of gold nuggets and precious metals easier. So where are the best places to find gold in France or elsewhere ?

Gold panning sites in France

In France, we know that it is mainly in the mountainous areas that gold miners congregate. There are 4 main areas where you can find gold in rivers on French territory:

• The Cévennes National Park and the rivers it feeds in the surrounding departments and in the Armorican Massif;
• The Alps, in most of the departments located in this mountainous region, and more particularly in the rivers of Haute-Savoie (Chéran, Fier, Arve);
• The department of Jura, in rivers such as the Doubs, the Ognon and the Loue;
• The Pyrenees, in the tributaries of the Aude or even in La Têt.

This does not mean that gold is absent from other beautiful regions of France. It is simply rarer, and therefore more difficult to find. It nevertheless remains very important to find out about the regulations before investing in gold-bearing rivers and faults: many of them are not accessible to professional gold panning or recreational gold panning.

Other gold sites around the world

You are ready to practice recreational gold panning outside our borders ? If you are looking for where to find gold, go to the United States, on the path of the largest gold panners. The country of the “Gold Rush” remains today a land very conducive to the discovery of nuggets and glitter, just like Canada. By using good gold panning practice, gold can be found in the rivers of California, Alaska, Nevada, Georgia, the Yukon, etc.

Closer to home, this precious metal is found in many European rivers: the gold-bearing Elvo River in Italy, the rivers of the southern region of Scotland, the rivers on the border of Southern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the north-west area of ​​Spain, etc.

Knowing the gold zones and knowing where to find gold is one thing. Mastering gold panning techniques and having the right equipment is another. Even in the context of recreational gold panning, there are indeed a few things to know.

Equip gold panning equipment

The number one piece of equipment if you want to become a gold prospector is called panning. It is a hollow and conical tool, hence its nickname Chinese hat, used to separate gold from other unwanted deposits (sand, small gravel, waste, etc.) All you have to do is deposit the alluvium coming from the river, then shake the pan using circular movements, allowing the lightest deposits to be removed, leaving only the gold at the bottom of the pan. During a gold panning session, it is also advisable to bring a shovel and containers to store the gold flakes, collected using specific tubes.

On the other hand, it is not advisable to engage in magnet fishing or use a metal detector, even when you know where to find gold. First, because these practices are prohibited in many areas of our territory. Then, because they do not only allow you to find gold, but attract metals and materials of all types. This remains interesting when you want to play treasure seeker, but you especially risk finding small objects of no interest, unless you are lucky enough to come across valuable coins and jewelry.

Learn good gold panning techniques

Using the pan is within everyone's reach, and even children can indulge in gold panning with this utensil. But to maximize your chances of finding gold, there are techniques to master and little secrets to know.

To discover them and put them into practice, you should not hesitate to take a gold panning course: experienced gold prospectors will then introduce you to gold panning equipment and methods for removing gravel. , sand and deposits, and will also help you recognize waterways where you can find gold and make great discoveries.

Be patient

Purchasing gold in specialized stores is of course much easier and faster than panning for gold. But if you prefer to explore the rivers of the Armorican Massif or other gold-bearing areas of France, in a fun spirit, arm yourself with patience. Indeed, don’t expect to find gold in French waters on your first outing. This is the whole point of this practice.“Patience is the key to joy”, as a Turkish proverb says. You will have plenty of time to discover it by going in search of gold flakes in the river, with the pride of having yourself unearthed the precious metal that you were looking for so much.

And if it's not gold flakes that interest you, but rather bars and gold and silver coins, then the Gold Union online store will delight you ! You will find a wide selection of products to collect, to give as a gift or to keep as an investment.