Went out for a couple of days this week, and put up with almost intollerable winds on Wed., but they calmed down a little on Thurs. But I still had to bundle up a little. It was worth it though, when I hit a small patch. The larger nugget is just over a 1/4 oz.troy. Total is .425 oz. That's with some matrix still attached though. The smallest piece was part of the largest nugget. When I tried cleaning it, the little one broke off. So I stopped, realizing that the matrix is holding it together.

Does anyone know if it's best to leave it the way it is, I haven't sold one this fragile before. I know that quartz specimens sometimes bring more in the natural state. But I'm not sure about ironstone or caleche as a matrix.

Hi Bob,

Way to go on the new patch; nearly 1/2 oz. is a great day of detecting! It is a little tough to tell from the photo, but it looks to me as if the coating is caliche. It is common, especially in desert regions, and is easy to remove. I would try a soak in Lime Away. There are more aggressive techniques, but I would try the LA first. Good luck with the cleaning and congrats again on the finds!

Nice stuff Bob!
That was definitely a good trip
Gus-

Sweet gold, Bob!

That's a nice day's haul...hope you find more!

- Lunk -

WTG Bob.

DigDeep

Bob,

Nice gold, hope there more there to keep you busy!

LuckyLundy