Gold

Deposits

Mining and Exploration

Geology Handbook

Gold

Gold is a highly sought after mineral, both for its monetary value and its special properties as well as a long history of Gold being a symbol of wealth the world over.

Gold only (there is one exception) is found as a free element. The Gold (Au) element does not form bonds with other elements to form any unique minerals. This is represented by one of its special properties – it will not oxidize/rust or tarnish. This makes it a great choice for jewelry and commerce.

Golds other very useful property is its electrical conductivity which makes it very useful in electronics and computers. Future gold mines maybe todays computer waste.

Gold deposits

Narrow Vein, High Grade Gold

The original source of gold deposits owes its formation to one of the unique properties of the mineral Gold. It does not like bonding with other elements. As a result, it basically forms as free gold wherever super heated, super pressurized liquids force their way into.

These Fluids are rich in silica and other minerals, the silica allows for creation of quartz, and since gold does not like bonding with anything it solidifies all by itself, after the other elements have bonded and created other more complex minerals. A few other more common minerals will form in quartz veins associated with gold including pyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, arsenopyrite, silver as well as other base metallic minerals. These are only indicators of the potential for gold and are referred to as indicator minerals.

Indicator minerals tend to be general, with one or two specific to each gold deposit. The presence of the indicator mineral is only an indication that gold may be present.

Narrow vein Gold requires quartz veins (of course), usually less than a meter wide, indicator minerals will be present and exposed surfaces may form rust stains from the indicator minerals if iron based (the most common).

In the above picture, the known gold deposit the primary indicator minerals are fine grained arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite. In this drill core there is a nicely mineralized quartz vein with both those indicators as well as the common pyrite. This peice of core did have high grade gold speckled in amongst the arsenopyrite.

All three of these indicator minerals are iron based and at surface this quartz vein would have abundant rust staining.

Deposits are currently being worked on and updated!

Gold

Narrow Vein, High Grade, low grade, Placer Gold deposits

Learn More

chromite deposits

Ontario's "Ring of Fire" Chromite Deposits

Learn More

Precious metals

Platinum, and Silver

Learn More

Base Metal deposits

Copper, iron

Learn More

precious stones

Amethyst, Diamonds, rubies and more

Learn More

Get In Touch

Geology Handbook

Mineral Deposits

Mineral Exploration

Mining/Exploration Directory

Finding a Job

Geology of Canada

Lake Superior

CanadaMines.ca provides general information on geology, mining, and exploration in Canada and is not intended as professional advice. Users should consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on site content. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee error-free, complete, or current information and assume no responsibility for discrepancies. We are not liable for damages from using or relying on-site content, and users indemnify CanadaMines.ca and its affiliates from claims arising from their use. External links are not endorsed, and this disclaimer may change without notice. Continued use signifies acceptance of changes.

Canadamines.ca participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases through our links.