PROSPECTING AND BUYING JUDGING FOR VALUE
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.