This book is the first volume in the Dave W. Parkhurst Mining Writing Collection, which is a compilation of articles by the author that were originally published in the former California Mining Journal (now the ICMJ) in the 1980s and early 1990s. Volume 1 consists of articles that relate primarily to the formation, concentration, characteristics and types of deposits of valuable metals and minerals-especially gold, historically the most sought-after of the precious metals. GOLD PLACERS AND MINERAL DEPOSITS encompasses four topics: (1) how, where and why mineral deposits form; (2) the formation and characteristics of placer deposits; (3) the nature, characteristics and concentration of gold and where to look for it, and (4) prospecting for valuable metals and minerals other than gold.