quill THE

PROSPECTOR’S

www.gpoc.com The “Claims Committee” resting after marking the GPOCʼs newest claim.

official publication of The Gold Prospectors of Colorado volume 38 no.5

PO Box 1593, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
Fellow Prospectors;  inside
Do you see the price of gold? WOW!
Now if my vial would fill as fast as the
2
price goes up life would be a 2 s fine as
the gold in our pans. Living at the base
of  the Rocky Mountains, the fact is
that Colorado is a Load Gold State. In
other parts of the world gold runs in
veins where gold is far and in between
5
with a few specs of fine flour gold.
Here the gold is all fine and has always
been too much work for a get rich
quick operation, but, that is good for us
as every one is discouraged easily and
moves to nugget hunting grounds and
left our more pure abundance of gold
for modern mechanized equipment.
The gold here in Colorado has
endured a violent volcanic beginning President’s Letter continued
being pushed up through the Earthʼs 2011 Club Activities 2
2011 Club Outings 2
crust then weathered, eroded,
Contacts 2
fragmented, beaten, tumbled,
May Calendar 3
eradicated and thoroughly pulverized
Activities 4
as it tumbled down the mountain into
Mining the Internet 4
the creeks, streams and rivers to travel
What’s Behind That Gold Price
turbulently, being ground further into
Asleep at the Wheel 6
obscurity untill it is virtually powdered
Asleep at the Wheel, continued 7
into microscopic portions invisible to
Comparison of Spiral Wheels 8
the naked eye and very difficult to
Gold Recovery Advertisement 9
recover untill we came up with fine
Claims Information 9
gold recovery machines. 
Casual Use Definition 9
continued on page GPOC Application 9

may G LD NUGGETS is a blog for and by GPOC members. Our intent is for Gold Nuggets to
become an informational hub for members to keep up-to-date with GPOC news and events.

2011
We encourage you to email your news items and information to the webmaster at
www.gpoc.com. The webmaster, Stacey Smith, will ensure they get onto the blog.

Join GPOC on FACEBOOK! You need your own Facebook account.

Access GPOC on FACEBOOK through a link on the GPOC website.
 President Treasurer Contact Info Trustees
Ben Higley Bill Smith for all club activities
president@gpoc.com treasure@gpoc.com Bob Hale One Year

GPOC Vice President Webmaster

(719)213-3383 Gary Beaderstadt
Two Year
Wayne Wittkopp
contacts vicepresident@gpoc.
Stacey Smith Membership
membership@gpoc.com
Diane Anderson
webmaster@gpoc.com
com Three Year
Jim Blakenship
Editor Claims
Secretary
Lin Smith Marty Witcher
Elise Pearce
quill@gpoc.com claims@gpoc.com
secretary@gpoc.com

This is our day folks and we now have the technology..............It's time to
put it to work,  time to work smarter, not harder.
     CLUB OUTINGS
OK, let's every one pull the calendars down from the wall and start
making some plans for the various shows where we do our The club would like to put together outings for this
demonstrations during the year. Our shows are always a wonderful way season for the months of June, July and August. The
to get involved and interact with the community, to educate public on how outings can be prospecting on our claims on the
it was 150 years ago and how gold panning has been around for 5000 Arkansas, metal detecting or taking tours through
years as the Egyptians began washing gravels much the same way we different museums or mines.  The club would like to
do to this day. gather a small group of people to help bring together
ideas and plans for the outings. I will speak more about
May 28th ,29th ,30th Territory Days, Old Colorado City, this at our May meeting. Please let me know if you have
CO an interest in helping with the outings..........
June 18th,19th Kingdom Days, Breckenridge, CO
June 24th , 25th , 26th Rocky Mountain Gem & Mineral The following list provides you with some ideas.
Show, WMMI CS, CO We need dates as well as volunteers to set-up
July 2nd ,3rd ,4th Founders Day, Frisco, CO the outings.
July 13th ,14th ,15th , Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, CS.
16th CO June Prospector 1 and 2 Long Tom’s
July 30th, 31st Burro Days, Fairplay, CO
August 5th,6th,7th Colorado State Gold Panning July Beaver Creek
Championships, WMMI, CS, CO
Sept. 16th, 17th,18th Denver Gem & Mineral Show,
August Outing at GPOC 1 claim
Denver, CO
September 24 Cache Creek Public Lands Day
Thank you on behalf of the board to all those people who submit
submissions to the Quill and web site, although they may be edited or not
Jim Blankenship jvbship@comcast.net
appropriate for our newsletter we thank you all for your contributions and
stories/pictures. 

We look forward to a lot of fun filled events and club outings this year,
please take a moment and pay special attention to the clubs outing list by
Jim Blankenship and we hope to hear a lot of positive feed back on this
article.
Good Prospecting and may the good Lord bless your path  with yellow
rocks...........really heavy ones.
      Sincerely, your President Big Ben    the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the
Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society
“Coloradoʼs Mining Heritage” Rocky Mountain Federation of
Mineralogical Societies Convention Academy Hotel 8110 N
Academy Blvd.
June 24, 25, 26 At the WMMI 225 North Gate Blvd. CS, Colorado
Join us for the third annual Rock Fair and the Rocky Mountain
Federation annual show at WMMI. Come see vendor displays,
demonstrations, dealers, rock-talks, and much more. This is the
only time of year we run the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill - a site to see
in itself! Don't miss this family friendly event with activities for all
ages. Sponsored by Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society.
The information provided in the Quill is as accurate as
possible. However, it is YOUR responsibility to research
resources and make sure that you are in compliance with all
laws and regulations, as well as following the GPOC CODE
of ETHICS.
The Prospector’s Quill is the official newsletter of the
Gold Prospectors of Colorado. The opinions are those of
club or its members. The editor, club, officers, and
contributors do not assume any liability for damages
resulting from use of information in the Prospector’s
Quill. Articles of interest are welcomed. All articles
submitted for publication are subject to editing.
Submission of articles must be received before the 20th
of the month. Unless noted, non-profits may reprint or
quote from articles, provided credit is given to the
author’s and publication and a copy of the newsletter
the article appears in is sent to the editor of The
Prospectorʼs Quill at PO Box 1593, CS CO 80913. All
pictures are the property of the photographer and are
not to be copied or reproduced.
quill@gpoc.com Lin

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 2

 May meetings meetings events events
calendar
Colorado Historic 5th 28th 7th-8th 28th
Preservation Month Claims “Lets Go Gold Victor Mine Tour
Board Meeting
The theme for this year is Committee Panning”
“Participate in Preservation” Gold Hill Police
Meeting 9:30 a.m
Station GPOC Woodyʼs
For further information 10 AM - 1 PM Claims
contact: 7:00 PM Western Museum a special invite to Victor Lowell
Bob Hale of Mining & GPOC members Thomas Museum
(719) 213-3383 Industry Third & Victor
955 Moreno and other clubs
www.gpoc.com Avenue, CS, CO Avenue
president@gpoc.com 225 N. Gate Blvd.
Victor, CO
Please refer to the information CS, CO
below for further events as well Richard Stockton
(719)-233-0098 see info below see info on pg. 4
as on page 4 Larry Weilnau,
former National
and many time 11th 14th-15th 21st 28-29-30th
Colorado State General
and GPAA Building Troughs Fossil Collecting in Territorial Days
Gold Panning Membership 9:00 AM the NIOBRARA
Champion, will Meeting Exit 163 W. 1st Old Colorado City
do a property past the 9:00 AM
Colorado
presentation Metal Detecting Church to GPOC http://www.csms.us/
on Metal Volunteers needed
by Larry Weilnau yellow truck. 2235 events/
Detecting at
this month’s 7:00 PM County Line Rd., eventsindex.html
General 3400 N.Nevada Monument
Membership RSVP
meeting. CS, CO see info below see info below
vicepresident@gpoc.
com see info below

“Letʼs Go Gold Panning Days” May 7th and 8th
This traditional GPOC event brings prospectors of all levels together to
share their expertise, learn new methods, and use and observe different
types of equipment. The GPOC will provide a main dish for a Saturday night
potluck. Please bring a side dish or desert, as well as your unique
equipment. To be held at Woody 1 & 2. If camping please pay attention to
any fire bans.
Sunday you can learn about the geology of the area from a “Walk With a
Geologist”, and you can continue to play, learn and share.
Fossil Collecting in the NIOBRARA Formation
We will meet our hosts Kathryn Osborn and Diane Anderson of GPOC
at the State of Colorado Trinidad Rest Area just north of Trinidad.
This Field Trip is limited to 15 Vehicles (Approx. 30 people) (Junior
members and anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by
an adult - not recommended for children). NOTE: SIGNUP FOR THIS
FIELD TRIP WILL BE CLOSED AT 12:00 NOON ON FRIDAY MAY
13TH. $10 per person. Further information at: http://www.csms.us/
events/eventsindex.html
GOLD TROUGHS May 13th-14th 9:00 AM
The metal liners are done and we are looking for volunteers to help build the
wood frames and stands for the troughs that are used at the GPOC gold
demonstrations. RSVP Please contact Wayne Wittkopp at
vicepresident@gpoc.com for further information and car pooling. See
calendar for directions.
Territory Days
May 28, 29 & 30, 2011
This will be the GPOCʼs fist major event of the year. Volunteers are needed
for set-up, demonstrations, the Prospectorʼs store and breaking down. You
will earn volunteer hours and points for discounts in the club store. Please
arrive at our booth and sign-up to participate.
Territory Days to commemorates Old Colorado City as the first capitol of the
Colorado Territory in 1861.
Opens each day at 10 a.m. Closes at 7 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. On
Monday, we close at 6 p.m.
USGS Free GPS Map, and Compass Classes
The second Friday of each month. The sessions are held in Building 810 at
the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood; Map and Compass sessions are in
the morning, 9-11 a.m., and "Using GPS with Topo Maps" in the afternoon,
12-4 p.m. You may sign up for either or both classes. Call for reservations:
(303) 202-4689 or send an e-mail to gpsworkshops@usgs.gov.
Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation Department
Earth Science Field Classes
All of the classes are outdoor-based adventure type classes designed
for people of all ages and interest levels, led by Steven W. Veatch.
These field classes do carry Colorado School of Mines credit for a
small fee, but that is entirely optional. The fees have been kept very
low due to the poor economy.
These classes are for everyone interested in rocks, minerals, fossils, and
geology. For teachers or others needing college credit, each field class
carries 0.50 semester hours of Colorado School of Mines graduate level
credit. If you desire college credit, you may register with the instructor during
the start of the class and pay a small Colorado School of Mines tuition fee. If
you donʼt need the college credit, come and spend a fun day out in the field.
Register today with the Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation Department
(719/689-3514) as these classes are very popular and fill up fast.
Field Studies in Geology: The Greater Alma Mining District (K-12) Credit
0.50 semester credit hours Date July 10
Time: 8:00am-5:45pm Instructor: Steven Veatch Tuition Fee: (payable during
workshop for Colorado School of Mines credit—entirely optional): $ 35.00.
Registration Fee (payable to Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation Dept., can
pay by VISA via phone): $ 49.00. Registration Contact: Cripple Creek Parks
and Recreation, 719/689-3514. Registration fee includes field guide and
snacks.
Explore the history of the Greater Alma mining district -- how it accelerated
the settlement of the West, and the contributions the district made to the
economic growth of Colorado. Life in frontier mining camps, early
prospecting methods, and lode mining adapted to high elevations will be
presented. Area geology will be reviewed, including recent mineral
exploration and production. Transportation from Cripple Creek to Alma and a
field guide will be included.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 3

Introduction to Rocks and Minerals DENVER MUSUEM OF Tour Victorʼs Ajax Mine May 28
NATURE AND SCIENCE
High above Victor, the
Designed for beginners, this course taught by Lou Taylor, PhD, giant metal head frame of
Earth Sciences research associate, offers an opportunity to explore the Ajax Mine glimmers
the identification, classification, and value of rocks and minerals. golden in the evening light,
Experience a hands-on class and lab, then apply your new-found a landmark for gold mining
knowledge during a daylong field trip. A geology background is not and testimony to the
necessary, only an inquisitive mind and an interest in deciphering wealth that made its
Earth's mineral components. owners proud. The mine
Mondays & Wednesdays, June 6-15 6:30-8:30 p.m. has been dormant for 30
Space Education Classroom Field trip: Saturday, June 18 years but the legend of the
$150 member, $180 nonmember Call 303.370.6000, M-F, 9-5 Ajax lives on as one of the
largest gold producers of the
Intermediate Macro Photography DENVER MUSUEM OF Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District.
NATURE AND SCIENCE
A special tour of the Ajax Mine surface structures, including the giant
Veteran photographer Bob Dean will help you get the macro shot metal head frame and its hoist house,
you've been wanting! Explore a variety of equipment and software, will be held Saturday, May 28,
such as diopters, standard lenses, macro lenses, extension tubes, Sponsored by the Southern Teller
and teleconverters, both individually and in combination. Look at County Focus Group (STCFG) and
lighting and computer-based tools to get nearly unlimited depth of Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining
field. Students should have some experience in close-up shooting, Company (CCV). The tour begins at
preferably with an SLR camera, and a basic knowledge of computer 9:30 a.m. at the Victor Lowell Thomas
use with digital images. Museum and will be led by former Ajax
Thursdays, May 26-June 9 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classroom 202 miner and Victor resident Gary Horton.
Field trips: Saturdays, June 4 & June 11 Horton worked in the Ajax during its
$110 member, $140 nonmember Please call 303.370.6000, M-F, 9-5 1980ʼs production years. Historian Ed
Hunter will also be on hand. The cost
MINING THE INTERNET of the tour (donated to the STCFG) is
$10 per person. Make reservations at Ajax Miners
Cripple Creek h t t p : / / w w w. v i c t o r c o l o r a d o . c o m /
http://www.cripplecreekrailroads.com/ stcfgnews.htm or by email to stcfg@victorcolorado.com.
library/scanned.htm
A place to find old brochures, postcards, Payment (cash only, no credit cards are accepted) will be collected
pictures, tidbits/info related to Cripple Creek at the museum the day of the tour).
and it's neighbor area.
Meet at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum at Third & Victor Avenue
Metal Detector and Metal Detecting at 9:30 a.m. Since this tour is on CCV mine property, all tour
Accessory Field Test Reports
http://www.losttreasure.com/fieldtests/ participants must view a mine safety video and will be required to
ArchiveView07.cfm?ID=LT20070711 wear hard hats and safety glasses (furnished by CCV) for the tour.
There will be a shuttle to the mine; limited seating is available and
"DIY Auto Feeder for Mini sluice/ some carpooling will be required. If you are not comfortable driving
Bowl.Wheel ETC"
http://www.49ermike.com/dc/dcboard.php? on small mountain roads, please reserve early for the van ride. This
az=show_topic&forum=181&topic_id=56895&mesg_id=56895&page mine is located on CC&V privately owned property - do not miss this
exclusive opportunity to visit the Ajax Mine and catch breath taking
Blue Bowl Adaptor views of Victor and the mountains to the southwest. Dress warmly
http://s805.photobucket.com/albums/yy332/bourne2hunt_photos/MY for spring weather and bring sunscreen, hat and footwear suitable
%20MINI%20BOWL/?albumview=slideshow
for walking over gravel and rocks.
Liberating Gold From Black Sands Using a Gold Wheel By Don Padget
http://www.goldgold.com/stories/goldfromsand.htm The Ajax Mining Company shipped granite honeycombed with gold
telluride beginning in 1895 and was owned in 1903 by famed
Sierra Nevada: Geologists explore hills for gold
entrepreneurs Charles Tutt, Spencer Penrose, Charlie MacNeill,
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/25/
BANV1J6335.DTL Clarence Hamlin and Oliver Shoup. In 1947, after changing
ownership several times and being combined with other claims, the
Jigsaw Puzzle Ajax Mine Ajax was the seventh largest gold producing mine in the United
http://www.museumsyndicate.com/item.php?item=47474&tag=2 States. The steel head frame was erected in 1959 and came to
Victor from the Pikes Peak Coal Company in Colorado Springs.
USGS Water Data
Colorado has received record snowfalls this year. Please be careful of the Operations ceased in 1961. The last operations in the underground
water levels in the rivers and streams which can change quickly. This site mine were conducted in the early 1980s at the depth of 3,350 feet
will give you up-to-date information on the water conditions in Colorado. below the surface.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis
http://www.dwr.state.co.us/Surfacewater/data/division.aspx?div=2 The Ajax Mine tour event is held during Colorado Historic
Preservation Month and is the seventh annual historic mine tour the
Colorado State Government Portal
http://www.colorado.gov/ STCFG has sponsored as part of the month-long event held every
year to focus on Colorado history. For information, visit
VictorColorado.com.

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 4

What’s behind that Gold Price?
By Don Bray
Since I became interested in gold
prospecting five years ago, I have been
casually watching the gold market with
its inherent price fluctuations, and did
not give much thought to them beyond
my observations. After viewing a History
Channel presentation titled “Americaʼs
Gold”, a couple of months ago, I realized
I had several unanswered questions.
The movie addressed the geologic and
technical aspects of gold prospecting/
mining in superb fashion, but also
pointed out how little I knew about gold
economics and market factors. Some of
my questions, to name a few, were as
Don Bray
follows: What is the annual global
production rate of gold? Who are the major gold producer nations
(the documentary listed only five)? What are the factors that cause
the gold “spot price” to fluctuate, as I have observed? Since then I
have been researching the Internet and some magazine articles to
try and resolve these questions for myself. With this article I am
reporting my research findings and will express some of my
conclusions as a result of that research. Basic economics dictate
that I should start by looking into the market “supply side” factors vs.
“demand side” factors, among others, to try and resolve some of
these questions.
Supply Side Factors: “Global gold production is in terminal decline
despite record prices and Herculean efforts by mining companies to
discover fresh sources of ore in remote spots,” says Aaron Regent,
president of Barrick Gold. In the year 1900, world gold production
was 386 tonnes (USGS) and rose in a generally steady fashion to a
maximum high of 2600 tonnes in 2001. Since 2001 the production
has dropped off to 2450 tonnes for 2009, the last year reported. The
top eight gold producing nations are (in decreasing order): China,
Australia, U.S, South Africa, Russia, Peru, Canada and Indonesia.
Six of the eight have seen their production fall by 16% since 2001.
Only China increased output during this period. The top eight
producer nations produce two-thirds of the worldʼs gold.
South Africa has historically been the top producer, but was topped
by China in 2007. South African gold production has been cut by
one half since 2001, primarily due to the depletion of its best
deposits. In 2008 and 2009, further cuts occurred because of
problems with electricity production.
Number one, China, has been investing heavily in their
infrastructure and mining capacity since 2000, and it seems to have
paid off for them. Chinaʼs gold production has increased 62% since
2001, while global output fell 9.6% in the same period. All of Chinaʼs
output stays in China; the Chinese Government (PRC) absorbs all
domestic production for their gold reserves. In April 2009, China
announced that its gold reserves had climbed to 1054 tonnes from
600 tonnes in 2003.
In terms of production, the United States is tied with South Africa for
third place at 215 tonnes. U.S. gold production has declined since
its peak year of 1998. Three-quarters of the U.S. gold production
comes from the state of Nevada.
Demand Side Factors: Historically, since 2000, gold prices tend to
start the year strong then drop off through the spring and summer
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
5
months and strengthen again in late summer through the end of the
year. The main reason for this annual cycle seems to be the
consumption pressure from the global gift-giving holidays of Islamic
Ramadan, Indian Diwalli, Christian Christmas, and Chinese New
Year. Gold as jewelry and bullion is commonly given as gifts for
each one of these holidays, which generally occur, from August
through February. Also, the Indian wedding season occurs at this
same time of year.
Historically, India has been the largest consumer nation of gold, with
the U.S. and China being second and third. Almost all of the Indian
consumption goes to jewelry. Globally, five times more gold is used
for jewelry than is used for both retail investment and industrial uses
combined.
The PRC absorbs all of their domestic production, as was
mentioned above. In addition to their own production, the PRC has
been consistently purchasing gold from the world market in
increasingly larger quantities. Through these actions the PRC has
been able to raise their governmental gold reserves from 13 million
ounces in beginning 2000 to 34 million at the end of 2009.
Until 2007, the PRC forbade Chinese citizens from owning gold, but
has since allowed citizens to purchase it. However, until last year
no retail marketing/distribution system existed in China. 2010
witnessed the first full year of a viable retail gold market, and it was
recently announced that China imported 209.7 tonnes of gold during
the first 10 months of 2010—five times that of the same period in
2009. The World Gold Council estimates that Chinaʼs gold demand
could double in the next 10 years, as more Chinese investors get on
board.
My conclusions: The pundits I have read seem to be saying that
they foresee three “triggers” that could cause a drastic drop in the
price of gold. The first is “a massive rise in interest rates.” The
theory is that higher interest rates usually see investors selling gold
to invest in stocks, real estate, etc. to reap the higher returns. I
disagree with this theory because higher interest rates almost
always lead to higher inflation, so why would you dump your inflation
hedge?
A second trigger is that “China sells much of its gold.” This one I
agree with, but I think its possibilities are little and none. China, for
whatever reason, seems to be on a gold-buying binge. Whether to
diversify out of U.S. dollars or to try and corner the market, I see the
Chinese as "net buyers" not "net sellers" of gold for the near future.
The third trigger mentioned is “widespread deflation.” It is true that
deflation causes currencies to become more valuable and
strengthens them, such that gold becomes less attractive as an
investment, but the trends around the globe seem to be in the
opposite direction, with countries presently rushing to monetize their
debts, including in our own.
With global demand at 3800 tonnes while global production is at
2450 tonnes there continues to be pressure to maintain the gold
price at its present or higher rates. In addition, recent events, such
as the riots in the Middle East and escalating prices for food, fuel
and transportation, all keep the pressure on gold prices to increase.
Based on these factors, it is my opinion that (except for occasional
market sell off dips) the gold price will continue to rise in the near
term.
You can contact me at: don_bray@copper.net
A S L E E P AT T H E W H E E L – S p i r a l W h e e l
Concentrators By Lin
Gravity concentration is
an environmentally
friendly process using
prospecting equipment
with few moving parts.
The prospector’s gold
pan is the most familiar
gravity concentration
device. The principals of
the process of gravity
concentration are based upon the fact that the specific gravity
of gold is higher than its host rock. Gold has a specific gravity
of 15 to 19.3. The material is worked and then classified with
a variety of sized screens into a concentrate mostly
composed of black sands. Black sand concentrates often
contain additional valuables, other than precious metals: rare
earth elements, thorium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium and
others are often fractionated during igneous processes into a
common mineral-suite that become black sands after
weathering and erosion. Several gemstones, such as garnet,
topaz, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are found in black sands
and concentrates. Black sand concentrates are also a
combination of minerals in the iron group: Hematite, Fe3o3,
with a specific gravity of 5.26, an iron mineral that is non-
magnetic and Magnetite, Fe3o4, with a specific gravity of
5.20, is magnetic. These black sands will weigh a third (1/3)
to a fourth (1/4) the weight of gold (Au). A cubic foot of wet
black sand will weigh 225+ pounds or 26.7 pounds per
gallon. The good news is that if there is a mineral in your pan
as heavy as the gold it just might be platinum! We found a
small piece of platinum on the Arkansas that would not wash
out of our pan.
A spiral wheel concentrator is a motorized or "automatic"
panning process for fine gold recovery from black sand
concentrates. The wheel works on the principles of weight,
angle (pitch), and water-flow. It is a finishing machine used
after processing material with a sluice box or other mining
equipment used in the field. A spiral wheel concentrator
works on the same principle as a gold pan but that is where
their similarities end. When the wheel rotates the gold is
carried upward by the lifting action of the spirals. It is
designed to maximize fine gold recovery, which may include:
Water conservation-a minimal amount of water which is re-cycled
Portable – light weight and compact – self contained
Optimum recovery angles
Adjustable water flow
Centrifugal forces similar to a gold pans action
Continuous action provided by a rechargeable battery
Double angle riffles
Recycling tub
Multi-speed rpm
The spiral wheel concentrator usually consists of: the spiral
wheel (or pan), riffles which act just like riffles in a sluice box,
a 12-volt pump and motor, 12 volt battery, adjustable water
flow arm or washer, a support stand, a recycling tub, the
pan's center recovery "cup," and assorted hoses or
accessories. The water system consists of: a pump, feeding
hose, spray bar and recycling system. They are not designed
for use and abuse such as mining equipment like a
highbanker or sluice box but rather for your final recovery.
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
6
The recovery of fine gold is a multi-
step process with classification critical
prior to processing. The tilt of the
wheel is essential to the effectiveness
of a spiral wheel as well as an even
flow of water that is not so strong that
it blows or washes your gold out of the
wheel. Manufactures claim that you
can recover over 90%+ of the gold in
your concentrates if your wheel is
properly set-up and your concentrates
are properly screened.
Advantages of a Spiral Wheel Concentrator•!
Highly efficient final recovery stage (up to 95% gold recovery to
about 500 mesh size)
Environmentally friendly process with no chemicals and minimal
water use. Non-polluting
Portability (typically weighs 20-30 pounds and can be broken down,
transported, and set up easily)
Running Time (usually 6-8 hours on a full battery charge, some
models have their own recharger or you can purchase a solar
recharger) continuous process
Recycled Water (the recycling tub uses as little as 3 gallons of
water, an asset in dry placer areas)
High Processing Rate (up to 100 pounds of black sand concentrates
per hour)
Sturdy and Dependable (if maintained properly)
Ease of Clean Up (most models use a gold recovery "cup" that can
be easily removed from the center of the pan or wheel)
Low operating costs and high-energy efficiency
Hints
1. Keep your wheel clean and free of any oily substances; do not
allow your wheel to sit without being cleaned. Clays and soils
can build up and clog your sprayer bar and pump, moisture can
corrode metal parts.
2. Never store with wet or dirty parts. Always keep it clean and dry
when stored. Never stow the machine with wet sand in the tub.
If water is allowed to condense on the parts of the machine, you
can damage the drive motor assembly, (a costly part to
replace).
3. Wash plastic surfaces which may have mold releases, in order
to remove any oils before using but do not use any abrasives
4. Do not use any caustic soda for amalgamation in your wheel. If
there is aluminum it will corrode.
5. The more riffles you have the faster it will process your
concentrates.
6. Remember to replace the small cup in the middle after cleaning
or everything will land back in your tub.
7. Place your wheel on a sturdy surface. A deck is not a good
idea. If it tips, everything ends up under the deck and you will
be pulling out your vacuum (Experience speaking here!)
8. Do not overload your wheel, as this will prevent the material
from being fluid, which is essential for processing.
9. Brown sand can be added to improve performance if your
concentrates contain lots of black sand.
10. Keep out of direct sunlight when you are not using it as this can
cause the plastics to crystallize and crack.
11. Do not to store it in too hot an area... like the trunk of your
vehicle in the summer. Extreme heat can cause the plastics to
warp or change shape as well as dry the plasticizers from the
plastic making it brittle.
12. Never store chemicals or mercury with your unit. This includes
Jet Dry or other wetting agents. Chemical fumes can
DESTROY your machine!
13. If you unit comes in its own case it is
recommended that you pay attention
when you unpack it so that you can
put it away the same way you found it.
14. Wetting agents and clarifiers for your
water are important. Wetting agents
break the natural surface tension of
water so your fine gold will not float.
Crystal Clear or Jet Dry for automatic
dishwashers are a few of the name brands. Use three or four
drops per 5 gallons of water. Regular soap may be too sudsy.
Hard water might be a problem.
15. Watch the black sands climbing the wheel, then change the
wheel angle and water flow to slow the climb a bit. You want
some black sands climbing and falling into the cup. You can
adjust the wheel so you aren't getting excessive amounts of
black sands and you are still getting the gold to climb.
16. Have a good quality pump, which will keep consistent pressure
if you have to buy one. Consistent water flow is important. You
don’t want any surges that might happen with a well or
commercial water supply, which would blow your gold out of
your wheel. Water volume and velocity is critical.
17. Can higher altitudes affect pressure? Yes.
18. An automatic feeder will be more consistent and will not require
constant supervision
19. The 12-volt current used by most units will not shock you. You
can eliminate the battery by using a 3.3 AMP power supply, but
use with caution! This is 110 volt current which will electrocute
you if you do not keep the power supply high and dry!
20. You should not select a battery that you must fill with liquid acid
21. A battery charger will help to keep the power supplied
consistent, and consistency is a key. Fluctuation in voltage will
change water levels.
22. As the power source gets weaker, the pump will have less flow.
23. Pre-wash your concentrates before feeding the spiral wheel.
You can clarify your water by sprinkling in a little common
builders lime, which will help to settle the mud.
24. If using a wheel which processes dry material make sure the
material is completely dry and add it slower so that it will agitate
properly to the bottom of the riffles, or you will lose gold.
25. When operating in a dry or low humidity environment static
electricity may build up on your pan causing the flour gold or
sand to stick to the sides.
26. Not all black sand will be removed from your gold. You may
need to do an additional step.
27. You may get better results by spooning material onto the drier
section of the wheel so that it passes into the flow of water as
the wheel turns.
28. With some wheels make sure it runs counter clockwise -
reversing the battery leads will change the rotation.
29. Always be suspicious of minerals that won't separate from the
gold in your wheel. Remember that anything more than 10
times the weight of water is worth something!
30. Never operate the pump dry or if it is clogged and not pumping
water.
31. A piece of ladies stocking or panty hose over/around your
recirculating pump will keep fine dirt from being pumped into
your spray bar preventing clogs. Check frequently as this “filter”
may become clogged and will reduce your water pressure.
32. The cleaner the cons, the better. Muddy water will plug the
pump & plumbing and make it hard to see gold in the cup.
33. Adding material can slow down the wheel.
34. Slowing down of the wheel revolution gives more time to wash
out the heavy black sand before it enters the tube.
35. The steeper the wheel, the less water needed
36. If you are getting a lot of black sand, turn up the water flow or
slow down the wheel.
37. Aim the arm so that the water barely rides along the edge of the
wheel. If you aim it too far into the wheel, you will blow all the
material into the tailings and your gold along with it.
38. The finer the gold the finer you want to screen your
concentrates." Run the material in several batches of finer and
finer material. With proper screening and operation it is possible
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
7
to recover microscopic gold to 500 mesh with a good quality
spiral wheel.
39. You can make a template out of waterproof plastic that you can
use to set the angle. If your wheel came with a cardboard
template trace it onto plastic. (Metal)
40. Gravity concentration is most effective when the particles are
close to the same size—screen before concentrating, If you
think you are not getting the results you expect try screening to
a smaller size.
41. Uniform grain size is important. If you have gold of a specific
size range then your maximum sand grain size should not be
more than 5 times the gold flake size. If the gold is in the -100
grain size (1/100 of an inch or smaller) then your correct
starting screen size would be #20. By dividing the average grain
size of your gold by 5 you will have the proper screen size.
42. Feed material gradually, at a slow and steady pace rather than
dumping it in all at once. This is time consuming and you must
be patient or your results will be poor! Rate of about a
tablespoon a minute.
43. Do not put your scoop or spoon into the wheel or bowl creating
drag.
44. Check your tailings to make sure you are getting all the gold. If
not try rerunning the wheel slightly slower. Rerunning your
concentrates a couple of times is always a good
recommendation.
45. If there are minerals that don’t separate from the gold they
could be valuable. As a rule of thumb anything heavier than 10
times the weight of water will have value.
46. With the number of sunny days in Colorado you might consider
a solar charger for your battery.
47. The new age of computer designed gold wheels with built in
agitators are well worth consideration. The new agitator wheel,
turquoise in color, will fit most all older 13" gold wheels and pay
for itself in short order. Also available is a micro adjuster for the
older 13" gold wheels that allow micrometer like adjustment for
near perfect gold recovery.
48. Sometimes larger flat pieces don't stay on the spiral very well
so keep an eye on things! Small pieces that are very flat and
thin will have a tendency to 'kite' along in the black sands and
either repeatedly fall down the wheel, or just wash right out with
the rejected concentrates. Advertisements that discuss the
percent of gold recovered frequently do not discuss what type
of gold they are recovering. This is a variable that should be
considered.
49. Some machines can be used for sampling in your prospecting
endeavors.
50. Practice makes perfect.
51. This is a cleanup machine. It will only slow you down if you take
it in the field. It's a lot more efficient to collect your concentrates
and work them at home. Saving them up for the long Colorado
winters will allow you to prospect year round!
Should you invest in a spiral wheel or blue bowl? Several
factors need to be considered. You need
to evaluate your time, money and
patience (feeding concentrates at a slow
steady pace is essential, and you just
might fall asleep at the wheel) before
making your decision. The size of gold
you will encounter and the amount of
material you collect will also affect your
decision. If you do not understand gravity
separation and the importance of
classification of your concentrates, as
well as having a lot of patience and
knowledge on operating your wheel, then
you will probably be disappointed by your
results. If you are a casual part-time
prospector the money may not be worth the investment. In
Colorado, due to the ever-present fine gold, the use of a spiral
concentrator or blue bowl can be beneficial. Take the time to
practice and experiment and you may find this is a good
investment for retrieving your fine Colorado Gold.
 FEATURES DESERT FOX
Number of Spiral Seven
Pickups
Can you use it in a Yes
stream?
Separate Folding Stand Yes
Carrying Case Yes
Pump included Yes
Variable speed Yes
Retail Price $319
Replacement Wheel $49
Weight 10 pounds
Warranty 5 Year
Size of pan 12.5 inches
GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5
Capacity Concentrates 70 pounds per hour
Water Capacity 3-4 gallons
Advantages Variable speed control
The spiral wheel is good Classified Material is
for capturing Colorado’s essential for its operation.
flour gold. While directions may call
YouTube: for classification at 20
http://www.youtube.com/ mesh and then 30 mesh
results? you may want to try
search_query=gold+genie running 20 mesh and then
+spiral 50 mesh.
+wheels&aq=2&oq=Gold Works similar to the
+Genie Knudsen bowl of
yesteryear.
Gives you examples. Has a lock which helps
prevent the angle of the
wheel from shifting
The above information if
provided by the
manufacturer and not by
independent testing.
WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com
Disadvantages The smaller the wheel the
The majority of spiral slower the processing
wheels do require time to time
screen the concentrates. Having to classify takes
You need to have patience time, but this is true with all
when feeding your processes
concentrates into the To make the Desert Fox
wheel as well as adjusting work efficiently ... you
the water and angle of the need to classify your
wheel. Some wheels material into similar size
require a substantial ore.
investment.
8
GOLD MINER
Seven
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
$299-389
Replacement Wheel $49 Hand crank starts at $215-
9 pounds
5 year
13 inches
60+ pounds per hour
3 gallons
The only one with a
RECESS at the beginning
of each spiral. This causes
a rolling effect on your
concentrates as the pan
rotates.
Vent holes in it's case help
keep moisture at bay
Spray bar has adjustable
water volume
durable plastic case
Built-in agitators help
vibrate concentrates to
settle the gold
Equipped with a 500 GPH
re-circulating pump
Clean final product
Very portable
plug in for 110 volt and
plug in for 12 volt
12 volt battery not included
Having to classify takes
time, but this is true with all
processes
GOLD MAGIC
Nine? double angle progressive
riffles
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$425-455
10 pounds
1 year
17 inches
140 pounds per hour 100 pounds per hour
Battery and charger built
in
Hand crank model weighs
4 lbs. power pack can be
added later. No pump to
clog or break down. It is
fed with a scoop, not a
teaspoon
Works wet or dry Includes
12 volt battery 16+ Hours
Working Time on one
charge Includes 110 volt
Charger. Self classifying
does the screening for
you. Takes material up to 2
inches
The water delivery to the
pan is done by containers
fastened to the rim of the
pan, spilling water as the
wheel rotates. This
eliminates the pump,
On the market in 1989
Claims the hand crank
system can process 140
lbs. in 60 minutes That is
a lot of turning!
The additional $130
charge for a 5 watt solar
charger is excessive.
GOLD GENNIE
1 version in a stream
Yes
1 version
Yes
Yes
$529
Replacement wheel costs
$149
20-30 pounds
5 year
18 inch
3+ gallons
Consistently and
effectively recovers 95% of
the gold in concentrates
down to 500 mesh. Its
ability to extract all grades
of gold… even flour gold,
beach sand gold, and gold
from impact mills The
continuous (6-8 hrs.)
running action allows you
to extract the full potential
of your claim in less time.
12 volt car battery
12 volt dc motor has a 2
speed switching system.
The deep cut spirals with
sharp edges allows the
system to work wet or dry.
On the market for over 2
decades equipped with a
500 GPH re-circulating
pump
Some models require a tub
to recirculate (which is
NOT included) Not
readily available-are
special order made to
order. Quality control and
customer service have
been a problem with some
customers
Its weight may limit its
portability Must be
maintained properly in
order to be dependable
and sturdy.
GW25 KEENE
? Probably not
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
$439
28 pounds
? ?
25 inch
400 pounds per hour
? 3 to 5 gallons
Recover ultra fine gold
Soft rubber spiral wheel
has an extremely cupped
sharp edge riffle. Precise
and smooth speed control
with long life replaceable
geared bearings spiral
wheel. Electrical back
panel with speed control,
plug in battery, pump
terminals and on/off
switch. The metered gold
tube easily screws into the
back of the wheel to
remove values and a black
sand collection funnel to
collect a first run of
concentrates. The water
flow tube has metered
water jets for precise flow.
Includes 750 gallon per
hour 12 volt pump, wash
down hose and nozzle,
filter sieve and a solid
recovery pan.
5 gallon bucket & battery
not included. Cost and
size need to be
considered. For
processing large amounts.
Check on durability. New
to the market so little
information on
performance. Questions
have come up concerning
the shallowness of this
wheel In short supply
http://www.youtube.com/user/
keeneengineering
BLUE BOWL
None
Legs optional item
No
None
Controlled by water flow
$69.95
3 pounds
13 inches
No moving parts
Comes with water flow
control valve. Great on
Colorado fine and flour
gold.
Recommended to wet the
concentrates prior to
adding them to the Bowl.
Inexpensive
Use the valve to adjust the
speed of flow. The finer
the material is screened
to, the slower the water
needs to be and the finer
the gold you'll capture.
Water supplied from a
garden hose, or additional
accessories Click Here
For The Blue Bowl
Instruction Guide
Air bubbles in municipal
water supplies may cause
the loss of some 100 mesh
gold particles. Air bubbles
clinging to the sides or
bottom of the unit will slow
down the separation
process. You only get the
bowl all other accessories
must be purchased
separately Water supply
must be shut off in order to
add concentrates
 Arkansas River Claims  
Permit Season: 1 Apr – 30 Sep 2011
Dredging and high-banking with permit
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE GOLD PROSPECTORS OF COLORADO Maximum engine size: 8 horsepower.
DATE You will receive a postcard reminder when your membership is due to expire. Dredge and high-banker intake nozzle diameter: 4 inches maximum.
MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL $25 (18 years and over) FAMILY $30 (Includes members under age 18) For high-banker operation: a settling pond must be constructed that
A family membership covers a parent or parents with children under the age of 18 in one household in a domestic
prevents unprocessed water from flowing directly into the stream/river.
FAMILY
situation.
INDIVIDUAL A single member over the age of 18. Private Reserve Claim
Mailed Yes No Please include a additional amount of $15.00 for your annual subscription.
Prospector’s
Permit Season: June 15th – 1
You can access the Prospector’s Quill at: www.gpoc.com for free
Quill Nov 2011 (depending on when
the USFS gate is opened or
MEMBERSHIP $ QUILL $ TOTAL $
closed for the season)
PAYMENT
Dredging only – no high-
CASH $ CHECK $ CHECK #
bankers.
Mail Payment to: Membership GPOC PO Box 1593, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901 USFS Plan of Operations limits
CLAIMS A completed Claims Release Form must accompany this registration. Please see the back of GPOC to operate no more than
RELEASE this application. You can obtain a copy at www.gpoc.com
five dredges at a time.
NAME
Maximum engine size: 8 horsepower.
SPOUSES NAME
Dredge intake nozzle diameter: 3 inches maximum.
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
PHONE CELL
Permits are available at The Roc Doc and at GPOC meetings &
EMAIL events. The Roc Doc 17897 US Hwy. 285 | Nathrop, Colorado
NAME OF CHILD BIRTH DATE
NAME OF CHILD BIRTH DATE
NAME OF CHILD BIRTH DATE Casual use activities include: hand panning, dry washers, battery
membership demonstrations programs claims outings
operated equipment, and non-motorized sluicing. 
I am interested in
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Notification to the BLM is not required for casual use activities on
I can contribute public lands.  The standard guidance for all activities applies though
the following
talents: to help prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the public
INTERESTS & l a n d s . h t t p : / / w w w. b l m . g o v / c o / s t / e n / f o / r g f o / m i n e r a l s /
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PHOTOGRAPH Photo’s are frequently taken at GPOC events and displayed on the web site and newsletter.
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Have you included your Claims Release Form? Welcome to The Gold Prospector’s of Colorado

Claims Release Form

NOTE: The Gold Prospectors of Colorado has adopted the rules of the U.S.D.A Forest Service and BLM
Gold Recovery Equipment
Release in Full of Any and All Claims

FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE GOLD PROSPECTORS OF Designed and Built in Colorado
COLORADO, INC.,

I/WE ____________________________________ DO HEREBY ACQUIT AND FOREVER DISCHARGE as Demonstrated at a Recent GPOC Meeting
THE GOLD PROSPECTORS OF COLORADO, INC., IT'S MEMBERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND
ANY OTHER PERSONS, FIRMS, ENTITLES OR CORPORATIONS OF ANY AND ALL ACTIONS,
CLAIMS, DEMANDS, COSTS, LOSS OF SERVICE GROWING OUT OF ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND
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NOT CLUB OWNED.

I/WE __________________________________ THE UNDERSIGNED, DO HEREBY STATE I/WE HAVE for Fine Gold Recovery of Colorado’s Flour Gold
NOT BEEN INFLUENCED TO ANY EXTENT WHATSOEVER IN MAKING THIS RELEASE BY AND
REPRESENTATIONS OR STATEMENTS REGARDING SAID INJURIES, OR LIABILITY, OR ANY
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THIS RELEASE CONTAINS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO, AND THE
TERMS OF THE RELEASE ARE BINDING AND CONTRACTUAL.
✭ Sluices ★
I/WE _____________________________ FURTHER STATE THAT I/WE __________________________
HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND KNOW THE
CONTENTS THEREOF AND I/WE ___________________________________ SIGN THE SAME AS MY/I ★ Highbankers ★
OUR FREE ACT.

★ High Volume/Pressure Pumps ★

Printed Name Signature Date

Call for a free demonstration

ALL CHILDREN OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN

Designed by
Printed Name Parent Signature Date Bob Butler
Buena Vista,
Colorado
★ 719-395-2
003 ★

GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 9

 THE PROSPECTOR’S QUILL Mailed
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GPOC The Prospector’s Quill Vol. 38 No. 5 WE ARE ELECTRONIC at www.gpoc.com 10