Will A Metal Detector Find Gold? - Different Metal Detectors Types And Buyers Guide

Source: DHgate, Tag: Electronics

Searching for gold? Find out if a metal detector will help you find hidden treasures.

  • The hunt for gold with a metal detector is undoubtedly one of the oldest human desires and occupations. More often than not, you read on papers or hear rumours about someone making a big catch-all of a sudden because they were able to hunt for a man's most desired treasure, which is "Gold." Gold grain or nuggets, whichever one it is, is a dream come through and hope in search of finding the real deal below the soil.
    Usually, most people searching for this natural resource go out of their way searching for long-lost gold and nuggets trapped within the clay, dredge piles, and big rocks using metal detectors. Searching for gold can be cumbersome and not usually done for fun; most investors with little to no experience whose sole interest is finding gold nuggets within the shortest time may be frustrated.
    After researching where to find gold, keep in mind that you need an exceptional level of patience, time, and of course, the right equipment. With the right equipment and patience, another thing you need is the right people with the skill set to help you detect the right spot to find the golden treasure.

  • Will a Metal Detector find Gold?
    If you are trying to search for gold and ask if a metal can find gold depends on many things. There is a wide range of metal detectors out there, with most of them good at detecting gold, and others are not that good at detecting. There are two different technologies for making metal detectors: VLF and Pulse induction. These two technologies are great for finding gold; still, you need to know the area you are searching for the mineral, how much dirt is in the area, and the type of gold you are looking for.
    Before you begin your treasure hunt, you need to know that natural minerals like gold are primarily found in high mineralization places usually surrounded by other types of minerals. When using a metal detector, the signal you receive depends on factors such as:

    1. Frequency of the detector

    2. The conductivity of the hidden mineral

    3. The soil type

    4. Size of the object

    5. Depth of the object

  • Due to the above factors, some metal detectors cannot regularly and accurately identify gold grains or nuggets. Since you are looking for gold, getting the conductivity that aids gold detection can be more challenging. Using metal detectors that operate at low frequency may not be good enough to find gold because it has low conductivity. It makes it hard for a low-frequency detector to identify gold among other minerals in the ground.
    The Difference between VLF and PI Frequency
    You need to know just how fundamental frequencies influence your chances of finding gold; that is why you need to know the differences between these two frequencies to guide you when buying a metal detector.

    1. Very low frequency (VLF): With a VLF metal detector, you have a higher chance of finding small-sized gold nuggets than finding larger-sized ones. Due to its increased sensitivity in unearthing small gold nuggets, most gold searchers go for a VLF frequency.

    2. Pulse induction (PI): Pulse induction detectors are expensive because they offer more improved frequency in finding gold nuggets. The technologies are more enhanced with high detection depth and high functionality in mineralized soil or ground. From field tests, PI metal detectors are believed to detect large nuggets about two feet and above. Gold hunter's enthusiasts are now opting for PI devices.

The point is that when purchasing a metal detector to search for gold, choose a high-frequency detector instead. Everyone wants to get their hands on this precious metal. You need a device with great sensitivity and ground balancing features to gold to achieve that. If your metal detector does not have these essential features, your chances of finding gold may be slim.
Types of Metal Detectors to find Gold
Here are the best and most common types of metal detectors you can find in the market to search for gold.
Minelab CTX-3030
Minelab CTX-3030 is one, if not the best, metal detector you can find out there. It has unique features that are integral in unearthing gold. The CTX can operate in any ground mineralization and environment. It can pull off this task due to its fantastic ground balancing features. When searching for gold, you should opt for a metal detector with high sensitivity because gold nuggets can be small, which a low-sensitive device may not detect. Aside from CTX-3030's unique feature in detecting gold nuggets, it can also detect other types of metal as well. Most preset search modes and their ability to change search coils for your specific need make the device highly versatile and give it an edge over other gold detectors.
Gold hunting does not only happen on the ground; hunters often go into the water to search for lost gold. This model is waterproof up to 10 feet; you can count on your device not being ruined by water with this unique ability. Detecting gold gets more accessible with the CTX-3030 metal detector because it helps make hunting less stressful. Also, it has an ideal weight of about 5.2 lbs and a frequency between 1.5 kHz-100 kHz.
Fisher Gold Bug
The Fisher Gold Bug detector is a budget-friendly yet solid and effective metal detector. It is an entry-level device for gold hunters with a modest initial investment, with a frequency of 19 kHz. It has 5 inches DD search coil that can detect even the tiniest gold nuggets under the ground. When comparing the Fisher Gold Bug search coil with other detectors, the Fisher Bug can be perfect and imperfect for hunting, depending on the environment you are searching. Still, you can choose a more extensive search coil if you need to change one.
If you buy a detector based on sensitivity, this device works best when coupled with a large LCD screen and a lightweight model. It has user-friendly features and different ground balancing options, allowing you to have some level of control over the detector. One of its finest features is your ability to use the Computerized Ground Grab feature- an automatic ground balancing quality. Ideally, the automatic ground balancing feature is essential when trying to uncover gold on time. It weighs 2.5 lbs, making it one of the lightest metal detectors you can find in the market. If you care about waterproof devices, this may not be what you want.
Minelab GPZ 7000
GPZ 7000 is undoubtedly one of the best high-end gold metal detectors in the market. If you are all out of investing high capital for hunting gold, this device should be the best on your list. It has a zero voltage transmission. It is fully packed with amazing features that enable you to uncover even the tiniest gold nuggets no matter the depth. GPZ 7000 has proven to find gold nuggets approximately 40 per cent deeper and better than Mine GPX 5000 (another excellent deep searching device). Despite its unique dept level, it is not a waterproof device. Minelab's exceptional Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT) is the main reason for such functionality. ZVT frequency separates GPZ 7000 from other detectors because it inhibits signal interference, meaning that every gold signal's result will be uninterrupted and clear.
GPZ 7000 also has an advanced Noise cancellation feature. It inhibits any noise most metal finders often come across. This unique feature helps you detect and transmit sounds, making it effectively search gold nuggets trapped among other metals. If you are searching for gold in an environment filled with an incredible quantity of iron, you can count on this device to help you find this rare mineral, among other metals. Another added benefit is that the device is waterproof, and the search coil has a waterproof depth of approximately 3 feet. However, the control box is not resistant to water because of its advanced gold detecting feature. However, if you need a waterproof submersible, you can go for other waterproof deep depth metal detectors. Finally, suppose weight is a concern for you. In that case, this detector may not be ideal for you because it weighs approximately 7.2 pounds. If you need an improved, strong, and effective sensor, you should consider this.

Garrett AT Gold
Garrett AT Gold is one of the most effective and mid-level metal detectors in the market. The manufacturers ensure that the price is affordable for most gold searchers enthusiasts. It has an exceptional high operating frequency and detects the tiniest gold nuggets uncovered. The AT Gold features separate it from other mid-level metal gold detectors you can find in the market. An All-Metal Mode permits an excellent depth and sensitivity; however, the problem is that you have to learn and understand the different tones metals produce to identify gold tone.
If you are concerned about water resistance, the device is waterproof with 10 feet. When operating the machine in high mineralized ground, you can utilize automatic ground balancing or switch manually. It is user-friendly and has a tremendous light-weight of approximately 2.8 lbs, making it a comfortable detector to carry around.
Nokta Makro AU Gold Finder
It is an excellent metal detector produced solely for gold hunting. Nokia Makro AU Gold Finder has a high operating frequency that makes it perfect for finding the thinnest gold nuggets in the environment. It has a frequency of 56 kHz. The device gives gold hunter enthusiasts confidence in finding gold nuggets because the device has a unique ability to scan the ground effectively. If you are searching for the control box of the gold detector, you will see different knobs and switches with their respective gold-searching purpose.
However, the high frequency reduces its depth detecting ability. It is not waterproof, but it is rain-resistant. It has a unique ground balancing feature to search for the most densely mineralized ground. Due to this unique ability, you can be confident not to receive frequent false signals.
The device features ferrous and non-ferrous metal intolerance. The limiting thing about it is that it does not possess a digital target indicator that some gold finders find unappealing. However, it has a light-up ferrous and non-ferrous metal indicator and weighs 3.1 pounds.
Frequently Asked Question and Answers on Metal Detectors
Which metal detector has the best depth?
Minelab GPX 5000 and GPZ 7000 have the best depth searching metal detector in the market. GPZ 7000 has a 40 per cent deep searching ability than the other device. Mine GPZ 7000 is unique and the most preferred gold finder among gold hunters.
Where can I easily find gold?
You may easily find gold jewellery or coin just anywhere. Still, you cannot quickly uncover the natural yellow metal around you. If you are looking for the best place to find a gold nugget, you will have to search for it where genuine gold is commonly found: dredge piles, piles of sand and gravel in streams and river beds where gold carried by water flow accumulates if you are looking for regions known to be rich with gold, such as the USA and other areas.
What is the best metal detector for gold?
The above metal detectors are not just standard but excellent detectors. The best ones depend on your budget, level, the environment you are searching for, and of course, your preference.
Is a metal detector a good investment?
If you are an enthusiast of hunting this treasure and have a good team and skills, purchasing a metal detector is a good investment. There are varieties of high-quality and advanced metal detectors suitable for each level of hunting.
How deep can a metal detector find gold?
The best-known depth searching devices have been recorded approximately 10 feet deep with more advanced, high operating frequency, and sensitivity devices.
What is the best metal detector for beginners?
The Fisher Gold bug is the best metal detector for beginners or entry-level detectors. It is budget-friendly, waterproof, and can uncover gold nuggets quickly.