Prospectors Corner

Gold panning is a popular recreational activity that has been enjoyed for centuries. With just a few basic tools and some patience, anyone can try their hand at finding gold in rivers and streams all over the world.To get started with gold panning, you'll need a few key tools. The most important of these is a pan – typically made of steel or plastic – with ridges on the bottom to catch gold particles. You'll also need a shovel or trowel to dig into the ground near the water source, and a classifier or sieve to sift out larger rocks...

Maine's gold rush might not be as well-known as California's famous gold rush, but it was significant nonetheless. In the mid-1800s, there was a surge of people flocking to Maine in search of gold. Prospectors came from all over the country, hoping to strike it rich.Most of the gold in Maine was found in the western part of the state, along the Swift River and its tributaries. Small towns sprang up around the mining operations, and there was a frenzied excitement as everyone tried to claim their share of the riches.However, the gold rush in Maine was short-lived. By the...

Enjoy the hobby of rockhounding and preserve the availability of localities by following five simple rules.  If everyone uses a little collecting and prospecting etiquette, we can ensure future generations will enjoy digging at the same localities we did.  Help us spread the word.

Geologic Variations Between ‘Herkimer Diamond’ Quartz Crystals and ‘Pakimer’ Quartz Crystals By: Northern Maine Minerals  QUESTION: What Makes Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystals More Unique than Other Quartz Crystals? GENERAL BACKGROUND STATEMENTS:  - Silica is one of the most common elements in the Earth. - Silica Dioxide (Si02) is the chemical formula of pure quartz - Quartz crystals can form under a variety of conditions forming intrusions into their host rock. - Host rock is the term used for the rock that was originally there before it became intruded. - Intrusions are separations in the host rock filled by a different...