Gold panning works because gold is far denser than the rock around it, as USGS explains. New to it? Start with how to pan for gold and where to find gold, which also covers checking for mining claims. For gear, compare panning kits, sluice boxes and the small prospecting tools worth carrying, or read gold pan vs sluice box. To search with electronics, see metal detectors for gold, Gold Monster 1000 vs AT Gold and GPX 6000 vs Axiom.
Gear guides
Why panning works (USGS), kits and sluices compared by listing, and where you can pan.
How riffles trap gold, how to set the angle, six sluices compared, and when you need a permit.
Classifiers, magnets, crevice tools, snipers, vials, loupes and books, compared by listing.
How a pan and a sluice compare on speed, cost, portability and rules.
Two pulse induction gold detectors compared by coils, weight, battery and ground balance.
Three high-frequency VLF gold detectors compared by frequency, waterproofing and features.
