If it is macroscopic gold, you use the classical gravity methods, starting with the use
of a gold pan, a water sluice, a dry washer and many more. You can find info on the
subject on gold prospecting clubs and associations sites.
To separate gold from sand
One common method to remove gold from sand and rocks is by using a process called panning. This involves swirling a mixture of sand, water, and small gold particles in a pan to separate the heavier gold from the lighter sand. Another method is to use a sluice box, which uses flowing water to separate gold particles from rocks and other debris. Alternatively, you can also use chemical processes like cyanidation or leaching to extract gold from rocks and sand.
Density. Gold has an extremely high density relative to the rest of the sand in the pan and will therefore fall to the bottom as one swirls the pan around. The water is there to provide a means by which to circulate the dirt mixture and eliminate the "sand" (the sand gets suspended in the water and spills over the sides of the pan as it is swirled). And that's pretty much panning for gold.
Density. Gold has an extremely high density relative to the rest of the sand in the pan and will therefore fall to the bottom as one swirls the pan around. The water is there to provide a means by which to circulate the dirt mixture and eliminate the "sand" (the sand gets suspended in the water and spills over the sides of the pan as it is swirled). And that's pretty much panning for gold.
Miners used the technique of panning to separate gold from sand and pebbles in running water. They would gently swirl a pan containing the materials in water, allowing the gold to sink to the bottom while the lighter materials were washed away.
Gold is heavier than sand and gravel, so when a mixture of gold, sand, and gravel is agitated in a pan or sluice box, the heavier gold particles settle at the bottom, often catching on the ridges or grooves designed for this purpose. This process, known as panning, uses the difference in weight between the gold and lighter sediments to separate them.
Use a magent to pick out the iron particles. Soak the remainder in water until the salt is dissolved - dry the water, leaving behind a pile of salt. Mix the rest with mercury - the gold clings to the mercury, leaving behind a pile of sand. Use cyanide to separate the gold out of the mercury and remove the mercury.
Weight. Gold is much heavier than sand, gravel, or water. When panning (or sluicing), gold is worked to the bottom of the pan (or riffles) and the lighter materials washed away. A speck of "color" sits in the very lowest point in the pan- while sand and water can be "swished" around, but the "color" sits very still- almost as if glued to the pan.
Sand and gold are separated by a sieve. You put the sand in with he gold and shake it. Than the sand falls throuh the holes of the sieve leaving behind he gold.
You can separate sand and iron marbles using a magnet. The iron marbles will be attracted to the magnet, allowing you to separate them from the sand.
Gold dust is finely ground gold particles, while gold sand contains a higher concentration of gold particles mixed with sand. Gold sand is often found in river beds or near water sources, while gold dust can be found in various geological formations. Both gold dust and gold sand can be panned or mined for gold extraction.
Signs of gold in creeks include shiny, metallic flakes or nuggets, as well as black sand deposits. To identify gold for successful prospecting, use a gold pan to separate heavier materials from lighter ones, such as gravel and sand. Look for concentrated areas of black sand, which often indicate the presence of gold. Additionally, pay attention to any quartz veins or other mineral deposits that may be associated with gold.