Post by cronicbadger on Feb 27, 2024 21:07:24 GMT 10
The area I prefer to fossick in, Uralla, has very fine gold, well under 3mm. In this location there is an abundance of gemstones in that magic 3mm - 6mm zone between the two standard gem sieves I use to classify.
Currently, I run sub-3mm material through my gold sluice.
For gems, I use the 3mm sieve the standard way - wash the heavies to the bottom centre then flip onto a flat surface and pick through the dark material in the centre. But it is slow. I'm thinking a sluice might speed up the process.
I have a spare 6" wide river sluice through which I want to run the 3mm - 6mm gravels for gems. These gravels tend to consist of ironstone, basalt, granite, quartz, garnet, zircon, black spinel, topaz and sapphire.
It seems that expanded mesh is the stuff to use, although I'm not sure if or which matting is needed underneath. Keep in mind there will be no gold caught in this - only gems.
Miners moss? Astroturf?
For the mesh, is aluminium mesh the way to go? (I can get the mesh cut from a local aluminium door supplier). Or is a plastic alternative as used in the Wal & Liz Walbanker just as good? Or is there a specific configuration, or even riffle system that is better?
Currently, I run sub-3mm material through my gold sluice.
For gems, I use the 3mm sieve the standard way - wash the heavies to the bottom centre then flip onto a flat surface and pick through the dark material in the centre. But it is slow. I'm thinking a sluice might speed up the process.
I have a spare 6" wide river sluice through which I want to run the 3mm - 6mm gravels for gems. These gravels tend to consist of ironstone, basalt, granite, quartz, garnet, zircon, black spinel, topaz and sapphire.
It seems that expanded mesh is the stuff to use, although I'm not sure if or which matting is needed underneath. Keep in mind there will be no gold caught in this - only gems.
Miners moss? Astroturf?
For the mesh, is aluminium mesh the way to go? (I can get the mesh cut from a local aluminium door supplier). Or is a plastic alternative as used in the Wal & Liz Walbanker just as good? Or is there a specific configuration, or even riffle system that is better?