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In many districts, both precious stones and metals occur, so the miner should have a wide knowledge in order to make the best of his finds. He may commence by seeking black opal and finish by finding gold. Or he may be mining for emeralds and find diamonds. Prospectors are usually of a restless type; even if they are successful and strike lucky, news of a new field will cause them to desert their finds and hurry off to the the newly opened up area which, of course, may well prove worthless. Prospecting becomes a fever, and one seldom gives it up willingly. The free and easy life, the change of scene, the chance of making a fortune in one day, and perhaps even the intense physical hardships, cast a glamor over the life which is often irresistible.

The ease with which gold is recognized, its high international value and easy disposal, makes it the object of many a prospector, but diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, opals, and pearls all find easy buyers if the stones are of gem quality. There will be no difficulty in disposing of any of these minerals in the rough to local buyers, while there are many purchasers, dealers, lapidaries, and merchants in London, New York, Paris, and in other cities. It is more difficult to know what one should obtain for gem stones than for precious metals; the miner is often unfamiliar with current market values. Experience soon teaches.

Some knowledge regarding the methods of working and determination whether the mineral or metal is present, in sufficient quantity to make the deposit payable must be obtained. This more directly concerns the miner of gold and other metals, and he will have to sample the ore by panning tests or assay methods. If large scale mining is intended, many other points have to be considered. Available water power for electrical, mechanical, and metallurgical installations, the presence of fuel, labor, timber, rail or road communications, and other factors are of utmost importance.

We have indicated in a previous chapter the approximate values of many different varieties of gem stones, and such values will have more meaning if one is able to judge qualities, which involves the recognition of faults and the appreciation of the merits of a given specimen. It is important to remember what is considered the best color and quality of the various varieties. Diamond is probably the most popular gem stone and the one most widely bought by the public, so we will add some further remarks on what constitutes a good stone.

In diamonds, we look for absence of color, since all color is due to minute impurities. Pure white is therefore considered perfection, but in reality, such stones are rare. The tints of color which one almost always sees are usually yellow or brown, and they are faint, passing to white by very fine graduations. Practice in detecting such different shades is necessary; stones should be viewed in a good north light, unobstructed, with no colored surface near so that light is reflected on to the stone. The morning is the best time to look at stones to see their true color, and dull and dark days should be avoided. Artificial light may give a false impression. It is almost impossible to carry color in one’s mind for the purpose of comparison, but judging in the same surroundings helps. This is one reason why stone merchants always like to buy in their own offices. But these ideal conditions are seldom present, and one should learn to judge stones in less favorable circumstances.

Although the mining engineer may be equipped with better tools today and transport may be much more speedy and convenient than in former years, there may be other disadvantages in this age of limited freedom. He will, most likely, be hampered by laws and restrictions, and he may come in contact with state ownership and control, or private rights already assigned to large syndicates. If employed by a large company, he will no doubt be provided with all the required information and equipment. We are concerned with the roving prospector with limited scientific knowledge who often possesses local data and an abundance of optimism and spirit. He usually knows little about the geological age of rocks, but he knows by sight if there is a likelihood of minerals being present by the nature of the country.

The geological structure of the district may, in many instances, have already been thoroughly examined by government survey, and reports may then be obtained and studied. As is well known, certain minerals are generally associated with definite rocks, although this is no sure guide that such minerals are present even if those rocks are found. A new arrival in a district cannot hope to be successful unless he first studies the local government reports or those of experienced and reliable natives.

Certain tools are necessary; amongst these will be a blowpipe and its accessories for easy identification of minerals, a compass, a pick, a file, and the usual impedimenta necessary for traveling, eating, and sleeping. A week’s residence in a mining camp will give the prospector much more practical knowledge than any book could hope to give him. He may work on a claim, or go into partnership with another miner for experience before prospecting on his own account. But his theoretical knowledge will always stand him in good stead. A large reserve of optimism is necessary, and good luck is the best tool of all although it is one which, unfortunately, cannot be bought.

We will say only a few words about prospecting for precious stones as it is a subject in which practical experience counts for almost everything. As the reader will realize, the value of gem stones already recovered from the earth, the sea, and river beds must amount to hundreds of millions of dollars or pounds, but it is quite certain that far more lies buried and only awaits the hand of man to be brought to light. It is true that one must now often dig deeper than those who prospected some hundreds of years ago, but with modern appliances and our extended knowledge of the earth, this presents less difficulty, in theory.

Vast fields in every continent outside Europe still await the pioneer, and apart from syndicates and companies, there are many adventurous individuals who are reaping rich rewards for their labors. But the life of a prospecting miner is not an easy one. Living conditions are generally primitive; he may be obliged to work in isolated districts, in desert or mountainous country. Climatic conditions may be severe, and heat and hunger will try his patience and determination, even if he be lucky in his work. Yet in Australia, South Africa, and South America, and in the tropical seas, there are many men who endure such hardships for the sake of adventure and gain.

When one reads of the experiences of some of the prospectors of our times, such as Wollaston, who sought opals and other precious stones in Australia ( Opal, the Gem of the Never Never), and Berge, who dived for pearls (Pearl Diver), it will be realized that, to be an individual prospector, it is necessary to be born with at least an adventurous spirit and a stout constitution.
To the prospector, an ounce of experience is worth a ton of theoretical knowledge. But he should get as much information as possible concerning the geology of the country which it is proposed to prospect, and this would include the general mode of occurrence of the minerals in view, together with the rocks and other minerals with which they are usually associated. One must know how to distinguish between minerals in the rough by fairly easy, but certain and quick, methods. Then there is the question of local mining laws which must be respected, the ultimate disposal of minerals found, and the supply of food, shelter, and tools. Various licences for prospecting and exploitation are generally required; mining leases, concessions, and exclusive permission to explore specified areas have to be obtained and paid for according to the laws of the country.