Original scientific paper

Gold in the Drava and Mura Rivers - Geological Genesis and Mineralogical Analysis

Vladimir Bermanec ; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Ladislav Palinkaš ; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Marin Šoufek ; Croatian Natural History Museum, Zagreb
Vladimir Zabec ; Croatian Natural History Museum, Zagreb

Abstract

Gold panning from recent and old river and stream deposits is one of the oldest forms of mining, dating back to the pre-metal ages of the development of civilisation (Copper and Iron Ages). The reasons should be sought in the direct use of gold without the knowledge of the more complex technologies of obtaining pure metal. The separation of heavy minerals in watercourses is carried out by the simple natural process of separation of lighter mineral fractions by the water current. The procedure of gold panning as used by man is none other than copying this natural process, with a few interesting variations using the available tools. This paper provides a short history of gold panning on the Drava River, and a comprehensive analysis on the geological genesis of gold deposits and the mineralogical composition of the Drava River gold.

Keywords

Drava River gold; alpine deposits; mineralogical composition; geological structure

Hrčak ID:

126277

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/126277

Publication date:

1.6.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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