Maybe after reading this article about the characteristics of soil containing gold, your friend immediately ran to a large field and checked it. Soil Containing Gold is not only found in large mining sites that we see on the news.
Who would have thought, gold content can also be found around our neighborhood-just know the characteristics. The presence of gold in the soil is not easily visible to the naked eye, but there are a number of natural signs that can be a clue.
By recognizing the characteristics of soil that has the potential to store gold, you can be more sensitive and careful in exploring the natural resources around you. Here are five important characteristics of gold-bearing soil that you should know!
5 Characteristics of Soil Containing Gold
1. Soil Color
In identifying the characteristics of soil containing gold, you can see from the color of the soil. Soil color is an important indicator that shows the mineral composition in it. One of the colors commonly found in soils that potentially contain gold is brownish red. This color indicates a high iron oxide content, and is often found in the tropics.
In addition to the brick red color, yellow soil is the result of the weathering process of minerals, especially goethite, a type of iron mineral. Although not as intense in color as red, these soils show fairly strong oxidation and could be part of a more complex soil ecosystem where gold may be deposited.
2. Near Volcanic Mountains
One of the most common indications of gold-bearing soil is its location in mountainous regions or former volcanic activity. Why is this? Because these areas are the result of geological processes, such as volcanic eruptions, plate shifts, and heat pressures from within the earth’s crust.
When magma from deep within the earth rises to the surface, it brings with it heavy metals such as gold, silver and copper. Once volcanic activity subsides, these metals can form mineral veins embedded in the surrounding rocks.
Over time and through the process of natural weathering, the gold content can be carried by rainwater and rivers, then deposited on the soil around the area. That is why areas such as mountains, hillsides or valleys around volcanoes are often the main targets for exploration of gold-bearing soils.
3. A Layer of Black Sand
One indicator that is often found in gold-bearing soils is the presence of a layer of black sand. This layer of black sand is usually seen deposited at the bottom of small streams, dry river valleys, or even around old springs that have long been inactive.
While not all locations with black sand contain gold, its presence can be a promising early clue. Therefore, if you find soil or river deposits with solid black sand, it is worth doing further inspection because it could be soil that contains gold.
4. Soil Texture and Composition
Apart from geographical location, gold-bearing soil usually also has certain characteristics in terms of texture and composition. Sandy or gravelly soil textures, especially around old streams or valleys, are often associated with the presence of gold placer.
Soils that contain sulfide minerals such as pyrite or “fake gold” are also noteworthy. Although pyrite itself is not gold, its presence is often associated with mineralized systems that also contain real gold.
5. Vegetation
Believe it or not, the presence of certain plants can also provide clues about gold-bearing soil. Some types of vegetation are known to thrive in soil rich in metallic minerals, including gold. This is because some plants thrive on heavy metal content.
Some plants, such as Equisetum (horsetail), are known to accumulate gold particles in their bodies. In addition, unusual or stunted vegetation growth patterns can be an indication of the presence of certain minerals in the soil.
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