Arizona is one of the largest gold-producing states in the United States with numerous gold-bearing rivers. Gravity tends to make gold collect in rivers, and Arizona is abundant in both which makes it a favorite among gold prospectors. Gold deposits are plentiful in the state’s Santa Cruz, Hassayampa, Colorado, Gila, San Francisco, and Santa Maria rivers, most of which are easily accessible to the public for prospecting.
This article discusses gold, its value and uses, as well as the top counties for gold prospecting in Arizona and gold prospecting tips.
Uses and Value of Gold
Gold is undoubtedly one of the most valuable metals on earth. Its versatility makes it ideal for use in architecture, electronics, and jewelry design. Gold is one of the easiest metals to work with because of its extreme malleability. It can be stretched out extensively — an ounce of gold can be stretched out to up to 300 square feet. It is resistant to oxidation, does not tarnish, and is an excellent conductor of both electricity and heat. It can be melted and cast into different shapes, even intricate ones, and is a suitable alloy for other metals, which is why it is often used in elaborate interior design and architecture, as well as in creating jewelry.
The primary use of gold is in jewelry making, with 78% of the gold mined every year used in manufacturing it. This is because gold possesses characteristics that make it ideal for the creation of intricate jewelry, such its beautiful luster, malleability, and highly coveted yellow color. As mentioned earlier, it does not tarnish, so jewelry made of gold is expected to last for many generations. Gold also symbolizes luck and prosperity, which is why highly valuable and treasured objects are expected to be made from gold.
Apart from jewelry, gold is also used in interior design and furniture making. It is not uncommon to hear of palaces and mansions decked out in gold door knobs, door frames, golden window grills and gates, candelabras, cups, and even tableware. It is a symbol of opulence, which is why royalty and the wealthy prefer it.
Gold is also used as a financial backing for currency, often in the form of bullion or small gold bars. Although gold is no longer heavily used in modern transactions, there are still governments, institutions, and wealthy individuals who invest in gold bullion because of its convenience. Gold is also used to produce highly coveted coins, which, today, are often used as commemorative items. Gold coins are issued in specific weights so that people can purchase and own small amounts of gold for investing purposes.
Gold is also widely used in dental work, particularly in fillings. It is also used in medical procedures, mostly as a drug to treat medical conditions. It is also used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments, electronic equipment, and life support devices, as it is nonreactive and will not cause any harm to the patient’s body.
Finally, gold is used in the creation of electronics such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, GPS units, and appliances such as televisions. Electronics and appliances made with gold are often sturdier and considered far more valuable than those made without it.
Gold Prospecting in Arizona
Arizona has been producing gold for hundreds of years. Here are some of the top gold producing counties in the state:
- Yavapai County ranks as the top producer of gold in Arizona because it is where Lynx Creek District, one of the areas richest in gold in the state, is found. A considerable majority of the gold that has been recovered in this area are placer deposits. The county is also home to the Weaver or Rich Hill District, where placers, as well as large nuggets, can be found. There are also several districts in the county that produce gold from lode deposits, as well as byproducts from copper mining. This county is also near the gold-rich Hassayampa River. The county has been producing gold for over 150 years and counting
- The Mohave County is the second wealthiest producer of gold in Arizona, producing more than over two million ounces of gold, mostly from lode deposits. The area is known for having extremely rich gold deposits as early as 1863. Furthermore, much of the gold has been extracted as a byproduct. The area is also where the famed King Tut placers can be found, which most of the gold located on private lands, but have been worked since the 1930s.
- Cochese County, the third largest gold producer in Arizona, has produced significant amounts of gold, mostly lode deposits and placers. Coarse gold and nuggets have been found in the area. It is also known to be a source of placer gold, some of which are coarse in texture. It is home to the Bisbee District, the largest gold producer in the county, with the gold resulting as a byproduct of base metal lining.
Arizona Gold Prospecting Tips
Arizona is known for its arid environment, and water is a limiting factor in prospecting. Metal detecting and dry washing are highly recommended methods in prospecting. The rising price of gold and the growing number of prospectors have made it difficult to locate areas that are open and available for prospecting, which is why extensive research is needed before any effort is made. It is ideal to research the area you are targeting to ensure that it has not been previously claimed by another gold seeker. Joining a local club of prospectors is an excellent way to get access to private lands where you can freely look for gold. These clubs will also help you with the best and most effective gold prospecting methods.
Arizona has a lot of gold producing areas that are still untapped. After all, the state’s environmental conditions make it the perfect location for gold deposits. One simply has to know where to look.
Trade Your Gold for Cash
With gold’s many uses and its symbolism of wealth, it’s no wonder people in the past and present fought and paid good money to have it in their possession. If you have gold that you would like to sell or loan for cash, visit our Scottsdale (480-991-5626) location to get a fair price it.