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Placer Gemstones
December 2001 by Edgar B. Heylmun, PhD
Only the so-called “precious gems” will be considered in this article. They are diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. A “gem” must be rare, hard, and durable, and possess a unique color or quality in order to be classified as a gem.Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Bush probably could take back monuments. But would he?
• Oregon Group Needs Your Help
• Critical Habitat Proposed for California Red-legged Frog
Millie's Tailings
"Swanee" McBride knew how to make a safe trail along the narrow edge of a high, steep slope bordering his mining claims. It twisted into sharp turns as it wound around massive pines and huge boulders.
Las Médulas—The Gem of the Roman Gold Mines
This mine was a real wonder of engineering, and the water supply and drifts had to be carefully managed to keep it in operation. In fact, it didn’t close due to lack of gold, but instead closed with the fall of the Roman Empire.
Iron Ores and Iron Mining
For more than 40 years, iron ore prices have been decided by private negotiations conducted between the largest of the iron miners and the largest steel producers. These two sides dominate both the spot and contract iron ore markets.
Contact Information for Oregon Senators
Phone or email these Senators and politely express your thoughts and opinions on the pending legislation. (See Legislative and Regulatory Update for more information on the pending legislation.)
Prospecting Research
These are just some of the ways I have been able to find new spots to metal detect for gold.
Placer Testing with Large Samples
Of all the difficult gold placer sites to evaluate, none can compare with trying to dig to bedrock through twenty or thirty feet of soaked overburden through which water is slowly seeping downgrade.
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