Can metal detectors detect gold?

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Yes, all metal detectors can detect gold. Gold is arguably the most sought-after material by metal detecting enthusiasts. From gold prospectors hunting fine gold flakes and gold nuggets to the beach and field hunters searching for gold coins and rings, we all have a little gold fever.

If you’re interested in learning more about metal detecting for gold I’ve gathered a series of questions and helpful resources below to help you learn more.

How do metal detectors detect Gold?

Metal detectors transmit an electromagnetic field from their search coil. When the electromagnetic field enters the ground and comes into contact with gold, the gold target becomes energized.

The conductive metal reflects that energy and creates its own electromagnetic field commonly referred to as an eddy current. That signal is picked up by the metal detector’s search coil and creates an audible response at the corresponding frequency.

How does the coil shape impact detecting gold?

Coil shape impacts the depth and sensitivity of your metal detector’s emitted electromagnetic field. Larger coils will detect bigger targets deeper in the ground while smaller coils see smaller objects at a shallower depth.

If you’re searching for gold dust or pickers you’ll be better suited with a small, high-frequency search coil. A larger coil is better suited for coin or ring hunter and would pass over smaller gold pieces you wouldn’t want to miss while prospecting.

What metal detectors are good for detecting Gold?

There are two kinds of metal detectors commonly used for detecting gold, Very-Low Frequency (VLF) and Pulse Induction (PI). Each type has its pros and cons but to keep things simple:

VLF Metal Detector Pros:

Can be more sensitive to small gold pieces
More Affordable than Pulse Induction Detectors

VLF Metal Detector Cons:

Are more sensitive to soil mineralization at higher frequencies

Pulse Induction Metal Detector Pros:

Can detect gold targets deeper in the ground
Have better discrimination against soil mineralization and hot rocks

Pulse Induction Metal Detector Cons:

More Expensive
Lower sensitivity to small gold pieces

To determine the best metal detector for your goals, you’ll need to consider the size and shape of your targets.

If you’re searching for small gold targets, you’ll want a high-frequency metal detector that is better at detecting fine gold pieces. If you’re searching for larger targets like gold coins or gold rings, you’ll be able to go with a VLF metal detector with a lower frequency that can go deeper into the ground with a larger coil.

Metal detectors for prospecting small gold pieces and pickers

Detectors focused on small gold flakes and pickers need to have a high-frequency and a small search coil. That combination will maximize the sensitivity of the metal detector while sacrificing depth.

This gives you the best chance to detect fine gold targets that larger coils with lower frequency models would pass over. Most of the options you’ll find for these types of targets will be VLF metal detectors.

Popular Options Include:

–Fisher Gold Bug 2

–Minelab Gold Monster 1000

–Garret Goldmaster 24K

–Nakota Makro Gold Finder 2000

–Nakota Makro Gold Kruzer

Metal Detecting Gold Coins and rings

A larger target lets you leverage a larger coil with a lower frequency. This combination will let the metal detector emit its electromagnetic field deeper into the ground but sacrifice sensitivity to smaller gold flakes.

If you’re planning to hunt for coins in farm fields, on beaches, or in parks a VCF or PI Metal detector with a frequency above 14Kz will help you pick up gold coins and rings.

–Garrett AT Gold with 5” x 8” DD Search Coil

–Minelab CTX 3030

–Minelab Gold Monster 1000 with a 10” Coil