2020-03-28, 0.024 grams of natural gold nuggets on the balance scale

Alluvial gold, also known as placer gold, refers to small particles and nuggets of pure or nearly pure native (natural) metallic element that have been eroded from their original rock formations by weathering processes such as wind, water flow in rivers and streams. Over time these fragments are transported downstream where they accumulate due to gravity settling out at bends in the riverbeds, behind rocks or other obstacles creating deposits known colloquially among prospectors simply called “placers.” These gold particles can vary widely from fine dust-like grains up through larger nuggets weighing several ounces. The presence of alluvial gold is often an indicator that there may be a lode source (the original rock formation containing the mineral) upstream, making it valuable for both recreational prospectors and commercial mining operations alike.