The 17 Greatest Gem and Gold Thefts And Crimes in California

Photo provided by LA County Sheriff’s Department

California has always been known for its incredible natural riches. Our mountains hide gold, our deserts conceal rare gems, and our museums showcase some of the most spectacular minerals on Earth. But where there are treasures, there are also those willing to steal them. You might think bank robberies or art thefts get all the … Read more

The Verified Places To Find Gold In Delaware In 2026

Delaware’s gold history dates back to the late 1800s when miners discovered rich deposits near Brandywine Creek. This region still holds plenty of gold today, with nuggets and flakes regularly found by lucky prospectors who know where to look. So, the real problem isn’t the lack of gold – it’s not knowing the right spots … Read more

The 16 Top Places To Find Gold In South Dakota In 2026

South Dakota’s Black Hills have produced over $4 billion in gold since the first discovery in 1874. These historic grounds once sparked one of the largest gold rushes in American history, attracting thousands of prospectors including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. These days, most rockhounds make the mistake of sticking to well-known spots like … Read more

Beginners Guide To Gold Hunting And Prospecting Equipment

Man holding a gold pan

Sunny day recreational activity gold panning in a mountain creek. Snowy Mountains, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW

Hunting for gold is a ton of fun for both beginners and experienced prospectors (not to mention profitable). One of the best things about it is that you really don’t need much equipment to get started. With a few simple tools you have everything you need to actually find gold. Many of these are the … Read more

The Legit Places To Find Gold In North Dakota In 2026

North Dakota’s untold gold story dates back to the 1870s when soldiers at Fort Abraham Lincoln reported finding gold flakes in their water buckets drawn from the Missouri River. This kicked off several mini gold rushes that most history books don’t mention. Many rockhounds give up their search for gold in North Dakota too quickly, … Read more

The 44 Best Places To Find Gold In Montana In 2026

Montana’s gold rush in the 1860s brought over 100,000 prospectors to the state, leading to the establishment of several boom towns that still exist today. Virginia City, one of these historic settlements, was built entirely on gold mining and saw over $90 million worth of gold extracted during its peak. Many modern-day gold hunters make … Read more

The 27 Legit Places To Find Gold In Maine In 2026

Maine’s rich mining heritage dates back to the 1800s when gold was first discovered in Swift River. Local prospectors still pull out impressive nuggets from these historic waters, with some finds weighing up to several grams. Many rockhounds waste countless hours searching in spots that haven’t produced gold in decades. The biggest mistake is following … Read more

The Top 10 Places To Find Gold in West Virginia in 2026

West Virginia’s rich mining history dates back to the 1800s, with countless gold discoveries in its streams and mountains. The historic Spruce Knob region alone has yielded numerous gold specimens, making it one of Appalachia’s hidden treasures. However, many rockhounds give up too soon, focusing only on well-known spots like the New River Gorge. They … Read more