Hi all,
Short version: I'm looking for someone in the Grand Est (France) or Saarbrücken (Germany) region who could help me surprise my partner with a great day looking for gold (or something shiny). i need help figuring out what I need and where we can go, I'm new in the topic
Longer version: recently my partner developed an interest in prospecting (and metal detecting and magnet fishing) and I want to surprise him for his birthday in June with a planned excursion to look for gold!
- Location
I have read into it, and Grand Est/Saarbrücken region seems geologically unlikely? I think the closest shot would be to look at the river Rhine, but its big and I'm a bit lost at how determine promising spots geologically? Im not from the area, we are long distance and i live 6h away, so i sadly can't go scouting or previsit areas, so if someone is from the Grand Est or Saarbrücken or the closest parts of the Rhine to that region and could give me some advice, that would help me a lot!
From my reading, i think the best shot would be looking for alluvial gold where water slows, so inner bends, crevices, and spots where fine stuff gathers, best dark?
Actually finding gold wouldn't be that important, I think he would already be happy with just being able to experience it and spend time together, in an area where geologically there's a tiny chance (no engagement ring from self panned gold, sad noises)
- Equipment
What should I buy? What's a good start? I was thinking about 2 pans and a hand shovel. I found a set of 2 pans for 20€, would that be good already or do I need to look at higher priced ones?
And i read that i need to sand the pans, can I do that with fine sandpaper per hand?
As for a sluice, my understanding is that sluices are only for good spots and it's not starting equipment. So I think maybe for just some fun and experience, pans with a shovel is good?
I hope this thread is the right place to ask and my text isn't too much over the place! Also sorry for the thousand questions, I'm just starting to read into everything and try to make a good plan to make this a good experience for him!
Thank you for reading