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GOLD
What to Look For
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=52748568
Gold may occur as visible specks or nuggets in quartz veins. It can also occur in sulphides - pyrite (fools gold) where it would probably not be visible and would require an assay or analysis to determine its presence.
Gold and other elements are often associated with alteration, which is rock that has been changed by hot fluids from deep in the earth. The presence of alteration may be signaled by a change in rock color (i.e. from red to green or brown and then back to red again) over a short distance. The rock often becomes much harder, due to the addition of silica from the fluids and the altered zone often carries quartz and associated sulphides (such as pyrite or fools gold).
Sulphides oxidize or "rust" on the surface. Rusty zones then provide a clue to the presence of sulphides which may carry base metals or gold or both. Gold may be visible, as small specks, in these zones (such as many on the Baie Verte peninsula) or an assay or analysis may be required to detect the presence of base metals and/or gold. Oxidation or staining on the rocks suggests the presence of other elements such as copper (green, blue colors), nickel (green), cobalt (purple), and molybdenite or uranium (yellow). Most sulphides have a metallic lustre (i.e. look like metal) and can be identified by their crystal structure and color.
Gold may occur as visible specks or nuggets in quartz veins. It can also occur in sulphides - pyrite (fools gold) where it would probably not be visible and would require an assay or analysis to determine its presence.
Gold and other elements are often associated with alteration, which is rock that has been changed by hot fluids from deep in the earth. The presence of alteration may be signaled by a change in rock color (i.e. from red to green or brown and then back to red again) over a short distance. The rock often becomes much harder, due to the addition of silica from the fluids and the altered zone often carries quartz and associated sulphides (such as pyrite or fools gold).
Sulphides oxidize or "rust" on the surface. Rusty zones then provide a clue to the presence of sulphides which may carry base metals or gold or both. Gold may be visible, as small specks, in these zones (such as many on the Baie Verte peninsula) or an assay or analysis may be required to detect the presence of base metals and/or gold. Oxidation or staining on the rocks suggests the presence of other elements such as copper (green, blue colors), nickel (green), cobalt (purple), and molybdenite or uranium (yellow). Most sulphides have a metallic lustre (i.e. look like metal) and can be identified by their crystal structure
and color.
GOLD
What to Look For
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=52748568
Gold may occur as visible specks or nuggets in quartz veins. It can also occur in sulphides - pyrite (fools gold) where it would probably not be visible and would require an assay or analysis to determine its presence.
Gold and other elements are often associated with alteration, which is rock that has been changed by hot fluids from deep in the earth. The presence of alteration may be signaled by a change in rock color (i.e. from red to green or brown and then back to red again) over a short distance. The rock often becomes much harder, due to the addition of silica from the fluids and the altered zone often carries quartz and associated sulphides (such as pyrite or fools gold).
Sulphides oxidize or "rust" on the surface. Rusty zones then provide a clue to the presence of sulphides which may carry base metals or gold or both. Gold may be visible, as small specks, in these zones (such as many on the Baie Verte peninsula) or an assay or analysis may be required to detect the presence of base metals and/or gold. Oxidation or staining on the rocks suggests the presence of other elements such as copper (green, blue colors), nickel (green), cobalt (purple), and molybdenite or uranium (yellow). Most sulphides have a metallic lustre (i.e. look like metal) and can be identified by their crystal structure and color.
Gold may occur as visible specks or nuggets in quartz veins. It can also occur in sulphides - pyrite (fools gold) where it would probably not be visible and would require an assay or analysis to determine its presence.
Gold and other elements are often associated with alteration, which is rock that has been changed by hot fluids from deep in the earth. The presence of alteration may be signaled by a change in rock color (i.e. from red to green or brown and then back to red again) over a short distance. The rock often becomes much harder, due to the addition of silica from the fluids and the altered zone often carries quartz and associated sulphides (such as pyrite or fools gold).
Sulphides oxidize or "rust" on the surface. Rusty zones then provide a clue to the presence of sulphides which may carry base metals or gold or both. Gold may be visible, as small specks, in these zones (such as many on the Baie Verte peninsula) or an assay or analysis may be required to detect the presence of base metals and/or gold. Oxidation or staining on the rocks suggests the presence of other elements such as copper (green, blue colors), nickel (green), cobalt (purple), and molybdenite or uranium (yellow). Most sulphides have a metallic lustre (i.e. look like metal) and can be identified by their crystal structure
and color.
compiled by R. James Weick, 1994
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/geosurvey/education/gold.stm
Gold, the noblest of metals, has been used by man for more than 5000 years. Its extreme softness or malleability, and resistance to tarnish (oxidation), led to its earliest uses in art and currency. Gold is the metal of choice for jewellery, and is often used in dentistry. Gold has also been used successfully in many modern technological applications. It is used as the electrical contacts of computer chips. Minute quantities of gold (less than 3 micrograms) are vaporized to mirror lens surfaces. The intrinsic value of gold offers an attractive alternative to stocks and bonds for many investors. It remains the principle medium for setting currency values and settling international debts among the nations of the world.
Minor concentrations of gold occurs in most natural substances. In seawater, for example, there is approximately 0.012 parts per billion (ppb) of gold, and in fresh water it is slightly higher at 0.02 ppb. Its average concentration in the Earth's crust or lithosphere is approximately 5 ppb, and in certain sedimentary rocks it may achieve concentrations of up to 2100 ppb or 2.1 parts per million (ppm). At these concentrations 20 or 30 tons of rock must be processed to extract a single ounce of precious gold. As a result, gold can only be mined profitably where it is highly concentrated by natural chemical and physical processes.
Gold occurs in many different geologic settings and its classification into deposit types is complicated. However, two basic types of occurrences or deposits are recognized, primary and secondary. Both rely on similar chemical and physical processes to produce economic concentrations of gold ore. Primary deposits form where gold precipitates during chemical reactions between hydrothermal (hot fluids) mineralizing solutions (metal-bearing)and rocks in the Earth's crust. Secondary deposits form later during the chemical and mechanical processes of weathering and erosion, and the physical reconcentration of gold-bearing sediment into placer deposits.
Hydrothermal deposits can be classified as either epigenetic (deposits that form after the formation of the surrounding rocks and other events of mineralization) or syngenitic (deposits that form the same time as surrounding rocks). In epigenetic hydrothermal deposits gold may occur as the principle metal or as a secondary mineral associated with other metals, such as iron, copper, lead and zinc. In these epigenetic hydrothermal deposits. One variety of epigenetic deposit (epithermal gold deposits) form at temperatures below 350°C by the convective circulation of fluids to depths of approximately 2 kilometres, usually near hot igneous bodies or plutons in volcanically active regions. In this type of hydrothermal occurrence gold is generally at relatively low concentrations. Hot springs are modern examples of this type of mineralization process. Mesothermal gold deposits, which form at temperatures above 350°C, occur along large breaks or faults in continental crust. The origin of these is not certain, but they form at depths of 3 to 5 kilometres below the Earth's crust, and appear to be associated with the upward migration of fluids from the Earth's mantle.
Gold is often extracted as a by-product during smelting from volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits (syngenetic hyrdothermal deposits) which are generated by the accumulation of metal-rich sediments near active volcanic centres on the seafloor. Gold is also found in porphyry copper deposits, high volume (up to 1000 million tons), low grade (0.7% Cu) deposits, formed by the circulation of fluids through the Earth's crust during the volcanic activity related to mountain building above active subduction zones.
Secondary gold occurrences or placer deposits are formed by the deposition and reconcentration of gold-bearing sediments from primary gold occurrences. Placer deposits are generally classified according to their depositional environment. Marine placers occur offshore near coastlines; fluvial placers occur in river and stream valleys in the drainage basins which contain primary gold occurrences upstream. Some studies suggest that gold is not only mechanically transported in placers, but that it is also chemically transported. The unusual size and purity of nuggets in some placer deposits supports this theory for gold transportation.
Why is it important to continue the search for gold and other metals? Aside from the obvious financial benefits associated with the discovery and development of mineral deposits to mining companies, there are many benefits to communities fortunate enough to be located near producing mines. Exploration and mine development are activities that create jobs. They require highly trained professionals, and skilled technical personnel that may be found in local communities. In addition to the manpower and labour requirements, mineral property and mine development activities often require additional materials and specialized technical services. These are often provided by geologic and mining engineering companies, who locate offices in local communities to participate in exploration and mine development contracts. The economic "spin-offs" to communities from these activities are often significant. Resource-based activities, including mining and exploration often serve as the base for local and regional economies.
Where is the gold in Newfoundland? Despite an extensive exploration and mining history, gold exploration is a relatively new activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. While the gold-bearing base metal VMS deposits, such as at the former Buchans and Rambler mines, are well known, exploration over the last two decades has resulted in the recognition of numerous epigenetic gold deposits and prospects in the province. Important recent discoveries include the Hope Brook Mine, near Burgeo, and the Pine Cove and Nugget Pond deposits, near Baie Verte. There is also excellent potential for the discovery of marine placers in regions, such as the Baie Verte Peninsula, with an abundance of primary base metal and gold deposits. The potential for fluvial placers has not been investigated, but these may be discovered in some of the larger river basins.
To summarize, recent exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador has resulted in the discovery of several new, significant gold prospects. While many of these are sub-economic, a few have been successfully developed as mines. The current economic recovery in Canada, and increases in the market price of gold have already resulted in increases in the level of prospecting and exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador, activities which may lead to the development of these gold deposits. Gold should be seriously considered as a mineral commodity of great importance to the development and economic diversification of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This is the ancient alchemic symbol for gold. Innumerable experiments which were focused on transforming base metals and other materials to gold made significant contributions to the science of chemistry.
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/geosurvey/matty_mitchell/rounder_article.stm
Prospecting in Newfoundland...
Prospecting - for most people the word conjures up an image of an oldtimer panning for gold along a northern river. Prospectors did look like that in the old days, but today prospectors are also construction workers, stock brokers, mechanics, fishermen, woods workers, housewives, geologists etc. - anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is interested in the natural environment.
Newfoundland has had a long history of mineral production which began in the 1800's. The copper industry in the Notre Dame Bay area, which made Newfoundland the sixth largest copper producer in the world, for a time in the late 1800's, was established by prospectors. The Tilt Cove Mine was found by a fisherman who was using heavy boulders (massive copper ore) for ballast in his boat. The Betts Cove, Little Bay and Pilley's Island Mines in Notre Dame Bay and the Terra Nova Mine in Baie Verte were also discovered during this period.
The Buchans Mine was found by a Micmac trapper - Matty Mitchell, who was prospecting in the area north and west of Red Indian Lake. Gold and copper deposits in the Baie Verte area, including the Rambler, were found by prospectors such as Enos England, in the early 1900's and the Baie Verte asbestos deposit was found by prospector Norm Peters in the 1950's. The Bell Island iron mines were discovered when someone recognized that heavy boulders used for ballast in ships from the area were iron ore. All of these properties were sold or optioned by the prospectors to mining interests.
Prospecting for gold in Newfoundland and Labrador appears to have been limited to a period between the late 1800's and 1940, but began again in the early 1980's due to increases in the gold price. A geological map of the Baie Verte area, produced less than 10 years ago in 1983, shows only 2 or 3 gold occurrences, including the Goldenville deposit, near Ming's Bight, which was found in the late 1800's and a couple of small quartz veins containing gold on the Rambler property. Today, there are at least 100 known gold occurrences, some of which (Pine Cove near Ming's Bight, Nugget Pond near Snook's Arm, Hammerdown near King's Point) will probably be mined in the near future.
Prospectors associated with mining companies discovered most of these prospects, however there are still significant deposits to be found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador by individuals. For example, two occurrences of white quartz with visible gold were found by geologists working for International Corona Corporation in October 1990 on the Pine Cove Property near Ming's Bight. The town of Baie Verte, across the Bay, can be seen from the occurrences which are exposed on the side of small bogs approximately 250 m apart and inland about 500 m from the Bay. These occurrences were unknown until this time - it is obvious that no one had ever thoroughly prospected this area and other areas of the province are the same.
Labrador has not, to date, produced any significant gold showings. A study of the geology of Canada indicates that the Canadian Shield is one of the most prolific gold hosts in the world. A significant portion of Labrador is part of the Canadian Shield and geological intuition tells us that we should expect Labrador to host significant gold deposits. Where are they? Prospecting should be able to help us find these deposits. Who can do this better than the people in the area who know the country and who have seen something in the rocks that arouses their curiousity, but do not know what it is.
Where to Look
Prospecting requires a keen eye for subtle differences in the rock, either the color or general appearance, and an idea of what might be found in an area. Geological maps, available from the Department of Mines and Energy, can give the prospector an idea where the best locations for prospecting might be. For example - minerals are often hosted in certain rock types and faults, or breaks in the earth's surface, allow fluids from deep in the earth which carry dissolved metals including gold, silver and base metals to rise to the surface and alter the rocks. The changes in temperature and pressure of the fluids at the surface allows the contained metals to be precipitated (deposited) in these altered rocks.
Panning of streams is an excellent way to quickly evaluate areas. Gold, base metal sulphides, diamonds, and some other minerals are heavy (gold is 20 times heavier than water), and accumulate in the sand and gravel beds in the rivers. Panning of samples from these locations can quickly and cheaply evaluate the area through which the river passes. In most cases the heavy minerals, particularly gold, can be seen in the pan giving a visual signal of mineralization. The prospector continues up the stream until no more mineralization is seen in the pan. He then goes back downstream to the nearest tributaries and pans them to try to locate the source stream. He continues up the tributary showing signs of mineralization, which should get stronger (more mineralization) as the source is approached. Prospecting in the area defined should result in location of the mineralization in outcrop or as boulders.
Clean rock exposures are usually plentiful along stream/river valleys and can be readily examined. Boulders which have been carried downstream from areas drained by the stream are also found and can be prospected for mineralization.
What to Look For
Gold may occur as visible specks or nuggets in quartz veins. It can also occur in sulphides - pyrite (fools gold) where it would probably not be visible and would require an assay or analysis to determine its presence.
Gold and other elements are often associated with alteration, which is rock that has been changed by hot fluids from deep in the earth. The presence of alteration may be signaled by a change in rock color (i.e. from red to green or brown and then back to red again) over a short distance. The rock often becomes much harder, due to the addition of silica from the fluids and the altered zone often carries quartz and associated sulphides (such as pyrite or fools gold).
Sulphides oxidize or "rust" on the surface. Rusty zones then provide a clue to the presence of sulphides which may carry base metals or gold or both. Gold may be visible, as small specks, in these zones (such as many on the Baie Verte peninsula) or an assay or analysis may be required to detect the presence of base metals and/or gold. Oxidation or staining on the rocks suggests the presence of other elements such as copper (green, blue colors), nickel (green), cobalt (purple), and molybdenite or uranium (yellow). Most sulphides have a metallic lustre (i.e. look like metal) and can be identified by their crystal structure and color.
What You Need
All that is required for a prospecting trip is a hammer, packsack and an interest in the outdoors. Prospector's hammers are hard to obtain in Newfoundland (there are one or two local sources) but brick hammers are usually available at most hardware stores and work well. A gold pan is optional but useful. Maps, a compass, safety supplies, including safety glasses, and outdoor (all-weather) gear should be carried at all times. A yearly, two week long, prospecting course, is held in Stephenville each June. A total of 20 positions are available each year. There is a cost for this course and an application has to made to the Department of Mines and Energy. Information on prospecting, the prospecting course or the mineral potential of Newfoundland and Labrador can be obtained by contacting either :
Mineral Exploration Consultant or Prospectors & Industry Assistance Manager, for the Department of Mines and Energy at the following address:
Department of Mines and Energy
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6
AI
