CHAPTER III

LODE OR REEF PROSPECTING

Likeliest localities for reefs--Similarity of indications of minerals--Where first prospecting is done--A practical example--Ironstone “blows”--Their true origin--Igneous theory untenable--Usual trend of lodes in Australia--Exceptions to the rule--Instances of rich deposits apart from lodes--Sinuosity of lodes--How to trace lodes demonstrated--Examine all indications--How to recognise gold, silver, copper, tin--How to ascertain their value--Caution in sinking--Where to prospect in case of parallel lodes--Usual underlie in Australia--Size of prospecting shaft--Tip for mullock--How to distinguish gold from pyrites or mica--Estimating value from prospect--How to pan--An amalgamating assay method--Author’s device when antimony present--Battery, best test--Silver and tin indications--Lode tin, stream tin, difficulty of recognising tin--Lode tin always near granite--Minerals often mistaken for tin--How to discriminate--Tin in Westralia pp. 22-33