Metal Detecting & Prospecting

Metal detecting is an exciting and mentally relaxing pastime; it is truly treasure-hunting. Many new at the hobby, however, make some horrendous blunders.

Your metal-detecting headphones need to be waterproof if you plan to hunt for submerged targets. Check out my review of Gray Ghost Amphibian headphones to find out if they're worth it for treasure hunting in water.

Some basic gold prospecting supplies are essential for large mining companies and the recreational gold-miner. Dry washers are a type of equipment useful in the dry southwest, particularly Arizona.

So, you want to search for gold ore. How do you identify good gold prospects? If your strategy involves crushing any and every rock you come across, you'll be crushing for the rest of your life and won't find a flake. Here are some simple field tests you can perform to help you narrow your search.

Check out my review of the Garret AT Pro metal detector. I've used this machine for nearly two years, and in doing so, I've become familiar with its advantages and drawbacks.

Check out my review of the handheld Lesche digging tool for metal detecting. I discuss the product's pros, cons, and overall value.

Check out my review of the handheld Garrett Pro Pointer and find out if it's a good pinpointer for metal detecting.

The sluice (usually a wood, metal or plastic channel) allows water in a running creek to pass through with the heaviest of material (gold) settling behind riffles. Here's why setup and cleaning are crucial.

If you want to try panning for gold, you might want to practice the techniques at home in your own yard.

Are you looking for the best metal detecting sites to find old coins and rings? These are the places where I make my best finds.

Found coins are usually in too poor a state to be used unless they are cleaned up first. Even banks will not accept them. Metal detectorists all need to clean their treasures, but what are the best ways? Here we have a look at the various household liquids that can be used, as well as different rock tumbling machines and electrolysis.

What most don't realize is that you can find gold, silver and gemstones near your own home. But there are a few reasons you probably won't.

Check out some of my best metal-detecting finds to date.

Are you looking for a t-handle shovel for metal detecting or gardening? Check out my review of the Lesche t-handle shovel to find out if it's worth it.

The grass between the curb and the sidewalk is a good place to go metal detecting for coins and rings. Check out my tips for metal detecting sidewalk grass.

New gold prospectors have a problem on their first gold club outing. They've heard about panning for gold, and maybe how to use recovery equipment, but on claim arrival finding a spot is a new story.