Raw Gold Flour and Placer Fine Gold Concentrates
Raw Gold (dust, flake, and flour) · Natural Yellow Gold with varying iron-sand/heavy mineral inclusions.
Purity: Likely 75% to 95% (18K to 23K equivalent). Placer gold is naturally alloyed with silver and copper; purity varies by deposit location.
Type
Raw Gold (dust, flake, and flour)
Purity
Likely 75% to 95% (18K to 23K equivalent). Placer gold is naturally alloyed with silver and copper; purity varies by deposit location.
Gold Type
Natural Yellow Gold with varying iron-sand/heavy mineral inclusions.
Weight
Indeterminate from image; appears to be several grams of concentrated fine material scattered across a pan surface.
Description
A collection of fine placer gold, often referred to as 'flour gold' or 'colors,' settled in the bottom of a blue plastic prospecting pan. The material consists of tiny, water-worn metallic flakes that have been separated from lighter gravels through gravity concentration. This is the rawest form of gold investment, representing the primary stage of the gold supply chain.
Key Features
High specific gravity concentration, metallic luster against dark minerals, flattened 'flake' morphology from stream transport.
Color & Finish
Dull to bright metallic yellow particles; high-luster micro-flakes mixed with darker, matte heavy-mineral sands (black sand).
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. This is raw, unrefined geologic material straight from an alluvial source.
Dimensions Estimate
Sub-millimeter particles (100-200 mesh size); distributed over a standard 10-14 inch prospecting pan area.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Presence of 'black sands' (magnetite/hematite) serves as natural decorative/indicative inclusions.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw material requiring a glass vial or snuffer bottle for containment.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; granular/crystalline structure.
Craftsmanship Details
Natural 'water-hammered' textures created by thousands of years of tumbling in river systems.
Authentication Indicators
The way the material 'hangs' in the pan corner despite water movement suggests a specific gravity of 19.3. No 'glint' loss when shaded (unlike pyrite/mica).
Origin & Maker
Geological/Natural Origin; likely recovered via small-scale placer mining or recreational panning.
Era & Period
Contemporary Recovery. Geologically ancient (millions of years), but newly extracted from recent sediment.
Age Estimate
Geologically Quaternary/Holocene sediment secondary deposit; newly panned.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Rush' heritage and the individual's connection to the earth's natural resources; a symbol of prospecting luck.
Condition Notes
Raw/Unrefined. Contains 'black sand' impurities. Particles show natural abrasion from water transport.
Value Estimate
Spot price minus 10-20% refining fee. Value is purely based on the melt weight of the refined fine-gold content.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a sealed glass vial with water to prevent loss; use a snuffer bottle for retrieval. Avoid contact with mercury.
Similar Items
Pyrite (Fools Gold) - much lighter and brittle; Mica - flakes that disappear in shadow; Brass filings - corrode over time.
Interesting Facts
Gold flour is so light it can sometimes float on the surface tension of water if not properly 'wet' with a surfactant like Jet-Dry.