ALLUVIAL GOLD At Different Depths

#gold #goldprospecting #mining
Today I'm going to take you out to the Maryborough Goldfields and show you a heap of interesting examples of alluvial gold mining, the features of which can vary a quite lot depending on the depth of the field.
We're going to take a look at surfacing, gully workings, shallow underground workings, shallow sinking, and deep lead mining, which are all types of alluvial workings at different depths.
Alluvial gold deposits are formed when gold is eroded from its source in a quartz reef, and then transported by water and gravity to a new location. The gold makes its way downhill over time until it is eventually deposited into a river, stream or gully.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when thinking about gold, is that it's heavy - real heavy, and over time it makes its way deeper and deeper down in the ground, or in a riverbed, until it can't go any further - usually when it hits bedrock. The old miners in the gold rush called this the bottom.
The gold sits in a layer on top of the bedrock, a layer which the old timers referred to as washdirt, washing stuff, or simply stuff. This rich layer could be anywhere from less than an inch to a few feet thick. Unless you were over in the incredible Gravel Pits at Ballarat, where the washing stuff was reported to be an astonishing thirteen feet thick!
The depth of alluvial workings generally depends on one important factor - how deep that bedrock lies beneath the ground.
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Mining models - Carl Nordstrom, 1850s. Museums Victoria
Historical images - State Library Victoria
Deep Lead Diagram - Gold Fields and Mineral Districts of Victoria, R. Brough Smyth, 1869
Drawings of deep lead mines - Andrew Swift and Robert Kaufman

[@janewray-mccann2133]

You are doing a wonderful thing for all Victorians, the vast majority of whom would not know anything at all about the Australian gold rush. You also have the most pleasant voice on UA-cam bar none. Rory, Tasmania.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks Rory, I’m a bit (a lot) obsessed with gold rush history ⚒🙂

[@whosspyingonme]

True

[@norsehall309]

G'day, thanks for another look at the wonderful Victorian Gold Fields, keep them coming, cheers,Neil 🤠.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Cheers, much appreciated 🙂⚒

[@markfryer9880]

Another great little video about the Victorian Goldfields! I drove through Maryborough just before Christmas and just outside the North side of town there is a modern day gold mine at work. It is easy to spot because of the overburden piles have been built up quite high close to the chain mesh fence surrounding the mine site. I couldn't see anything and didn't have time to stop as I was up against a deadline. Just shows that there is still plenty of gold out there to be found.
Mark from Melbourne Australia

[@goldfieldsguide]

Ah yes, I know the one you mean :) Glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers

[@VoGusProspecting]

I love your videos!

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks! 🙂⚒

[@yagoonadesignaustralia9089]

This is an awesome channel, very educational, very well narrated and edited, and a very pleasent voice .
Thank you for all the interesting videos.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thank you 🙂

[@lennytime8057]

Thank you for the video Very good information.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Cheers Lenny! 🙂🙂⚒

[@hubgold487]

you do a great job of narrating. such a pleasant voice. this comes from an american who finds the austrailian accent a bit difficult at times.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video 🙂⚒

[@groundhoggolddetecting6890]

Concise, very educational and informative. Applicable to most alluvial workings in Oz, and worldwide! Now I get it, thanks.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂⚒

[@michaelcarydakis790]

i have been their prospecting its a great place

[@Ful-OGold]

Yep and I have worked a lead with 2 different layers holding gold. Believe it or not the bigger gold was in the more shallow layer. Every layer or dirt or gravel needs to be tested.

[@marklarder5449]

Thankyou
This was great info

[@goldfieldsguide]

Cheers Mark 🙂⚒

[@pattywickson9046]

Great clip. 👍

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks Patty 😄⚒

[@eckk7405]

Thats awsome girl great vid👍

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks, much appreciated 🙂⚒

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

great info

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks 🙂⚒

[@nicholassteel5529]

Another beauty! 👍🙏❤️

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks Nicholas! 🙂⚒

[@Ful-OGold]

Nice. Well done and well put together. How’s that sun baker though? Where did you get it? I don’t reakon you really found it.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Haha, the sun baker discovery was staged for the video yep 😂👌 but I got that one with a detector a just few hills away from the spot where I filmed this. Glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers 🙂⚒

[@corblimey8729]

I love your videos. After over 2 years I've found nearly 0.6g !!! Hoping I can get some tips.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks, glad you’re enjoying these videos! 🙂⚒

[@lennytime8057]

What Machine are you using CorBlimey? maybe I could give you some tips I get gold most weeks.

[@martinjeans97]

Great job sweetheart