Black sands (mostly iron) can be and usually is an indicator of gold, but not always. Rule of thumb is you will generally find black sand with gold, but not always gold with black sand. However if you are finding gold and getting black sands with it, it would be worthwhile to try some and see what happens.

Beach sands rarely contain an appreciable amount of gold unless large storms occur at precisely the right time and place, when tides have transported gold nearby, for the heavy waves to bring gold to the beach. They can, often only briefly, be fairly rich in gold.

It can often be found at the beach or in naturally occurring “placer deposits” of minerals found in river beds and streams, or veins of ore in rock faces. Gold ore and black sand are commonly found together, so prospectors often start their searches in areas with lots of black sand.

In most cases, the creeks and rivers that flow through mining areas will indeed have some gold in them. However, the amount will vary considerably depending on many factors. The gold in rivers is called “placer gold” and it is the process of erosion that has caused it to accumulate there.

A Google search revealed that those shiny flecks are actually a mineral called mica–the same type of mineral used to produce glittery substances prized by cave painters (40,000 years ago), cosmetic companies (1960s), and David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust (1972).

Where to Look for Gold. Sebastian Inlet is at the center of what’s known as the Treasure Coast, and prime sites for searching for gold stretch several miles north and south. Vero Beach, Bonsteel Park, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Beach, Wabasso Beach and Pepper Park Beach are places worth searching.

Sebastian Inlet is at the center of what’s known as the Treasure Coast, and prime sites for searching for gold stretch several miles north and south. Vero Beach, Bonsteel Park, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Beach, Wabasso Beach and Pepper Park Beach are places worth searching.

Prospecting in beach sands is one area that you don’t necessarily have to dig deep to find the gold, because the gold particles are so fine that they are easily moved by the tide action.

A few notably rich locations include Gold Beach in Southern Oregon and the exceptionally rich beach placers at Nome, Alaska. Gold was also mined at many beaches throughout Washington. Very small amounts of gold can be prospected from just about anywhere in the state, but certain areas are much richer than others.