What is a Sluice Box?

[Turtle]

Parden my ignorance, but that's why I'm here.  What is a Sluice Box and when do you use them?

Thank you.

[IntrepidWizard]

Use near water,they are a box with "riffles' in them and you shovel ore rich dirt into them and let the water clear off the lighter soil leaving the heavier ore.

[Daveinthebush]

In modern terms a sluice box is either a metal or plastic trough, 6-10 inchs wide, 2-4' long and 2-4" high.  It has a set of riffles, usually some matting and maybe some screen.

You usually prospect with your pan first and find an area containing gold.  If the pannings look good enough then you may elect to sluice the gold which is far more productive.  If the sluicing is productive you might want to consider bigger equipment.

You should be able to find one on the site below.

http://www.keeneeng.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=KES&Category_Code=RE

[darrell8937]

Sluice boxes are a great way to seperate the aggerate/wast from the heavy metals(Gold hopefully) The only better ways are toxic and very heavly regulated. Even sluice boxes are regulated in most states.. The laws can be bizzare... Check with you local state agency and rock hounds.. This can be fun and alot of work. A nice hobby.. There are many resources on the net on how to build one. I think the best way to get started is to find a town where panning for gold is mostly a tourist attraction and hang out for a day.. The local stores will have many small books on the subject. Do some research.. and deceide if you would like to give it a try.. Panning comes before the sluice box. Learn to Pan first.. Ps.  Buy some good rock shoes.. Bare feet is dnagerous.. ouch..

[randy1950]

If you get the Outdoor Channel (NOT Outdoor Life Network)  watch for Prospecting Amerca @ 8:00 PM on Friday nights and Gold Fever Wed. @ 9:00 and Sun. @ 8:00 PM.  They usually show the different types of prospecting and how to use the equipment plus where to look.