Gold prospecting has long intrigued adventurers and treasure hunters, and Frank from Get the Gold! offers an unconventional yet effective method for extracting gold trapped within black sand. In his video, Frank demonstrates a step-by-step guide to roasting sand, a method he says can help release hidden gold from the sand’s minerals. Here’s a closer look at Frank’s process, along with insights into why this approach is gaining attention among hobbyists.
The Basics of Roasting Sand

In the video, Frank explains the purpose of roasting sand, which is to break down sulfides in black sand and convert them into sulfates. This step is essential because gold often gets trapped in the sulfide minerals. By roasting, Frank believes he can “bust them up,” as he puts it, which increases the chances of releasing any hidden gold particles. Although Frank admits he’s not entirely certain of the scientific breakdown of the process, he’s keen on testing the method on some black sand he collected during a previous trip.
Safety Precautions for Roasting Sand

Frank emphasizes the importance of safety before beginning. He advises always roasting sand outdoors in a well-ventilated space, ensuring that no one else is nearby. This is particularly vital because black sand may contain traces of mercury, a toxic substance that old-time miners used in gold recovery. Roasting mercury-bearing sands indoors could release dangerous mercury vapors. To stay safe, Frank gears up with a respirator and insists on using cast iron for the roasting, as he’s previously melted less durable metal pans during the process.
Preparing the Sand for Roasting

For this process, Frank gathers the black sand he’s previously panned to extract visible gold, confident that further roasting will reveal even more. The sand, rich in black concentrates, is loaded into a cast iron pan and placed in a bed of hot coals. Frank mentions that if the roasting is successful, the color of the sand should change, signaling the breakdown of sulfides.
Heating Up: The Roasting Process

Once Frank has prepared his roasting setup, he gets the fire hot and lets the sand roast in the coals for a while. He occasionally stirs the sand to ensure even heating, which helps break down the sulfides more effectively. The excitement is evident as Frank anticipates that this unique approach might reveal gold particles too small to be visible or accessible through standard panning methods.
Cooling the Roasted Sand with an Icy Twist

In an interesting twist, Frank shocks the roasted sand by dumping it into ice-cold water. He admits that this may not be a necessary step but finds it enjoyable. This rapid cooling could help loosen the particles further, making the classification process smoother afterward. Frank’s method certainly keeps the process engaging, adding a bit of spectacle to the otherwise methodical task of gold prospecting.
Sorting and Classifying the Sand

After the roasting and cooling steps, Frank moves on to classifying the sand by size, a standard technique in gold prospecting to isolate potential gold particles. He uses a series of screens to sort the sand into different size categories, preparing it for panning. With the sand now divided, Frank eagerly begins to search for the gold he hopes to have liberated.
Panning for Results: A Glimmer of Gold

As Frank pans the classified material, he soon catches sight of gold particles. Frank’s excitement grows as he identifies “some really fine stuff,” including tiny gold flecks that had remained hidden. Using a snuffer bottle to capture the pieces, he seems pleased that his roasting method has indeed yielded results. Frank notes that while some of this newfound gold could be due to leftover material from his earlier panning, it’s clear that the roasting process helped release additional gold.
The Importance of Patience in Panning

Throughout the panning process, Frank stresses the need for patience. He carefully pans the sand, gently shaking it to allow the gold to settle. This slow approach ensures that the black sand is gradually washed away, leaving behind any heavier gold particles. His thorough technique reflects the patience and focus required in gold prospecting, especially when working with fine gold.
Repeating the Process: More Gold Found

Frank repeats the process with each classified size of sand, discovering even more gold along the way. He captures both tiny microdots and more substantial pieces, taking time to clear out the black sand while preserving as much gold as possible. For Frank, each discovery adds to the satisfaction of his efforts, reinforcing the value of his roasting approach.
The Final Collection: An Impressive Haul

After completing his panning and collecting the gold, Frank takes a moment to admire his results. He proudly displays the gold particles, which include larger pieces mixed in with finer ones. Frank is particularly excited about the larger pieces, noting that they represent significant finds for the amount of black sand he initially processed. For hobbyists and prospectors, his success is both inspiring and educational, showcasing a simple yet effective way to extract more gold from concentrates.
Reflections on the Roasting Sand Technique

Frank’s roasting method, while unconventional, offers a valuable insight for hobbyist gold prospectors. By trying something different, he was able to release gold that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Frank’s experiment also emphasizes the importance of creativity and patience in gold prospecting. This approach may not be the most scientific, but it demonstrates the resourcefulness of individuals dedicated to finding gold in new ways.
A Unique Technique Worth Trying

The Get the Gold! channel, led by Frank, provides an educational yet entertaining look into unconventional gold prospecting methods. For those willing to try roasting sand, Frank’s demonstration offers a straightforward guide with impressive results. By combining patience, safety precautions, and a willingness to experiment, Frank shows how even the smallest innovations can yield valuable returns in the world of gold prospecting. This technique could be a worthwhile addition to the toolkit of any amateur prospector looking to maximize their gold recovery from black sand.

Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.