I Think I've Found A New Treasure Hunting Hobby

[flinthunter]

About 30 years ago an old man was telling me that there was gold in the creeks around Central Illinois. His stories were interesting but I shrugged them off as tall tales until I recently did a little research on gold in Illinois. It seems that the glaciers brought down gold and even rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. This last Sunday we went to a creek for a couple hours and did a little panning. I was extremely surprised to find that there was magnetic black sand and we actually found a small flake and another tiny speck of gold. I had a blast panning this sand and think I've got another new hobby. Next time I'll take a camera and try to get a couple pictures if we find any more.

 

[Nancy-IL]

That is so cool! Congratulations! Yes, there's gold in Illinois. A few years back I was told about the gold being here and like you, I shrugged it off. Glad you had a good time panning. That's something I've always wanted to do but never have. You'll have to bring the specimens to the next meeting so we can see it. That's really awesome!!!! HH, Nancy

 

[Larry (IL)]

Wow Daryl, Illinois gold, congratulations you old prospector.

I have heard of it but didn't know there was enough interest for a gold seekers club for Illinois and Iowa. A bunch of old farts like us

Here is a good article and video for those with an interest.... http://wqad.com/2013/11/04/prospectors-find-gold-in-iowa-and-illinois/

 

[LandOLincoln]

I used to pan the spoon years back after reading an article similar to this. I found a few specs, but nothing else.

 

[trkrdon]

I've been researching this also, but just haven't been able to get out and DO IT!