Alluvial is a term that refers to soil sediments and the various sand, silt, gravel, clay or other deposited matter left behind by flowing water. “Alluvial gold” refers to the type of gold dust found in that kind of soil. When the beds of rivers or streams are scooped and panned for gold dust, the product is referred to as alluvial gold.
Panning for gold is one of the oldest ways to produce gold. There are recorded instances of mining such deposits in ancient Rome, where gold and other precious metals were extracted from streams and mountainsides using panning devices known as sluices.
It’s a simple process, to be sure. The would-be miner simply scoops up an amount of sediment in a flat, shallow pan-like device. The device is agitated in water (which is why panning in rivers and streams is so convenient), allowing less weighty materials to spill out of the pan. If there is a concentration of gold or gemstones in the sediment, those sink to the bottom and are examined and collected by the panner.
Manhattan Gold & Silver doesn’t handle alluvial gold. We’re a B2B company that specializes in refining scrap precious metals and returning the value of the scrap to our customers who bring them in for service. We think gold panning is a fascinating way to acquire gold, but we’re better equipped to service the dentists, jewelers, pawnbrokers, and other various businesses that use gold and other precious metals in the course of their business.
We’re ready to do our best for your business when you’re ready to recycle your precious metals. If you’ve got scrap gold, we’ll help you turn it back into an asset your business can use.
