Getty Images The International Gold Panning Championships are held annually ... minerals - including gold - are transported down a stream. "Now placer is impure and you'll never get full spot ...

The United States is rich in gemstones and gold. In fact, much of the country’s history is tied to the gold rushes that affected patterns of migration and development. The most significant of ...

call ahead to know park rules about panning for gold. It’s helpful to be aware of environmental laws that may prohibit some forms of mining at California rivers and streams. For example ...