placer deposits
Dense minerals are more likely to settle and accumulate in river beds and other depositional environments due to their higher specific gravity. This allows them to concentrate and form placer deposits over time, while less dense minerals are more easily transported by water and therefore less likely to accumulate in the same way.
Minerals in placer deposits come from the erosion and weathering of rocks and minerals in the surrounding areas. These minerals are carried by water and eventually deposited in rivers, streams, and beaches where they settle due to their weight. The concentration of minerals in placer deposits can vary depending on the geology of the region.
The minerals in placer deposits originate from the weathering and erosion of primary rock sources, such as igneous and metamorphic rocks, where they were initially formed. Over time, these minerals are transported by water, wind, or ice, and accumulate in sedimentary environments, typically in riverbeds, beaches, or along shorelines. The process concentrates dense, heavy minerals like gold, diamonds, and gemstones, making them easier to extract. Thus, placer deposits serve as secondary sources of valuable minerals.
In Australia, there were panning or alluvial operations in most of the rivers since the 1850's gold rush began. Some people still fossick that way but metal detectors are more popular now. Some larger mining operations are sifting through the 'tailings' (debris) from earlier shaft mines to find their fortune as the price of gold increases.
placer deposits from where water is moving fast enough to move lighter materials.
deltas and placer deposits
Placer deposits form when minerals are eroded from their original source rocks and are then transported by water and deposited in areas where the flow velocity decreases, such as river beds, beaches, or valleys. These deposits often contain valuable minerals such as gold, diamonds, and heavy metals.
GOLD
placer deposits
placer deposits
Dense minerals are more likely to settle and accumulate in river beds and other depositional environments due to their higher specific gravity. This allows them to concentrate and form placer deposits over time, while less dense minerals are more easily transported by water and therefore less likely to accumulate in the same way.
Minerals in placer deposits come from the erosion and weathering of rocks and minerals in the surrounding areas. These minerals are carried by water and eventually deposited in rivers, streams, and beaches where they settle due to their weight. The concentration of minerals in placer deposits can vary depending on the geology of the region.
Richard L. Lampright has written: 'Gold placer deposits near Anchorage, Alaska' -- subject(s): Gold mines and mining, Placer deposits
placer deposits
Apparently alluvial diamonds migrate into placer deposits, being moved there by natural means, such as flowing water. Other materials are simply ground into tiny bits and ultimately 'placed' into the low spots in the geography. Sand is a descriptor used to name the quality of the tiny stones that make up most of the materials in placer deposits: some metal bits and alluvial diamonds are also found in placer deposits. You can read more about them, below.
concentration by flow of water. •