Gold and metal detectors are used to search for precious and other metals. However, the capabilities of these devices vary. Some gold and metal detectors have the ability to isolate non-precious metals and exclude iron. A gold prospecting device also has the capability to search for multiple types of metals. These metal prospecting devices are primarily used by hobbyists who are looking to search for a wide range of metals, such as buried treasures, artifacts, coins, and jewelry like silver and gold.
An audio metal detector can be used to search for gold rings, jewelry, and coins, which are larger compared to finding raw and natural gold, including small gold nuggets and gold flakes. When prospecting for gold, you will need a true gold detector. Therefore, it is essential to use an audio device for detecting gold, metals, and ancient coins.
Gold has significant properties compared to other metals, such as low conductivity. This means that a detector operating at a high frequency will perform better. Metal prospecting devices that are most suitable for gold prospecting operate at higher frequencies, ranging from 45 kHz to 61 kHz, while metal prospecting devices generally operate at lower frequencies, between 6.5 kHz to 14 kHz.
How can you determine and identify the type of detected metal?
There is a difference in the frequency of each type of metal. However, this is a very simple explanation. If you want to make the most of your search time, you will need to know a range of great features and specifications of gold and metal detectors.
Key Differences in Gold and Metal Detectors:
- When detecting metals, you will receive a weak frequency.
- It can search for large pieces or jewelry that contains gold mixed with other metals.
- It is suitable for low to medium mineralized and rocky ground.
Gold Detector
- High Frequency: Capable of detecting small gold nuggets.
- Suitable for High Mineralization Ground: Works well in areas with high mineral content.
How Do Gold and Metal Detectors Work?
Before we explain the differences between metal detectors and gold detectors, it’s important to understand the basics of how metal detectors work.
Key Terminology:
- Searching for Objects: A metal detector transmits an electromagnetic (EM) field through a coil into the ground. When metallic targets come into contact with the field, they become energized and generate their own field, which is then detected by the metal detector.
Why is Frequency Important in Metal and Gold Detectors?
A metal detector identifies a target based on its conductivity level, which is why it responds to various frequencies. Low-frequency machines are better suited for detecting metals with high conductivity, such as silver, while high-frequency devices are more effective at detecting low-conductivity metals like gold and iron.
Metal detectors typically operate at frequencies ranging from 5 to 15 kHz, while gold detectors operate at higher frequencies, usually between 45 and 61 kHz.
Types of Gold and Metal Detectors
There are three main types of metal detectors:
- Basic Metal Detectors: These are the simplest types of detectors available in online stores. They are generally weak and not useful for gold prospecting.
- VLF (Very Low Frequency): These detectors are highly accurate and sensitive, making them ideal for various purposes, including searching for small to medium-sized gold nuggets at depths of less than 8 feet.
- PI (Pulse Induction): These specialized detectors are designed to reach the greatest depths in highly mineralized grounds.
Technically, gold detectors are just specialized metal detectors fine-tuned to focus on signals from gold. The most advanced and effective gold detectors are PI devices, which can distinguish gold from other metals.
What Are the Key Factors in Metal and Gold Detectors?
When determining whether to use a metal detector or a gold detector for a specific task, you need to be familiar with the most important factors in the device to assess how well they handle certain conditions.
Understanding Depth in Metal and Gold Detectors
Large gold nuggets are usually buried deep underground. Therefore, detectors must be able to penetrate to the greatest depths to find these valuable targets “The ground must be penetrated deeply to increase the likelihood of finding large nuggets.