A gold prospector may be a mining expert and be called to make prospecting of gold prospects or mineralized veins. Ore deposits of the precious metals are usually of two types, those containing ore deposits in place such as fissure veins and blanket deposits and placers, the latter being gold bearing. In both cases and especially in the former, the character, position and other relations of properties are varied. The region, the country, the character of the deposits, the local conditions, may in all probability be comparatively new or strange. Basically, prior to starting the prospector may make inquiries in mining circles if anything is known about the region or district. There are any published mining or geological reports or maps, it is important to consult these. Finally, the prospector starts out with as little baggage as possible, usually a small hand bag containing a tapeline, geological pick clinometer and compass and note or sketch book.
The prospector must observe the surface character of the place, its topography, whether rolling, smooth or precipitous, whether it is high above the valley or near down to it, whether the mine is high or low as regards the water level or drainage system of the neighborhood, whether the property is conveniently situated for working the potential mine and transporting the ore. Accessibility is an important matter. In some places mines and prospects holes are sometimes on the top or sides of mountains or precipices, thousands of feet above the valley below, located at spots one would think only an eagle could reach, prospect tunnels are driven where there appears scarcely a foothold for a squirrel. No spot seems too inaccessible for the gold prospector.
It is important to observe the character and dip and direction of the veins if exposed on the surface, examine any prospect hole on them and take few samples for assay. Other important aspect is related to the nature of the gold deposits, whether they are in fissure veins in crystalline rocks or blanket deposits in sedimentary rocks or contacts at junction with eruptive porphyries. Having looked over the surface, the prospector must put his attention to this or that spot as especially good, and naturally he could study the poor parts of the deposit later. Having traversed the potential gold zones and obtained a general idea of the position of the vein and ore body, and taking an inventory of the previous work done in the zone. When this information is complete, the next step is to determine the main points where some samples will be taken.