Mining for gems
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.