The History & Geology of a hidden 1800's mine site (Iron Gossan)

This video shows an authentic old west mine site located in the Gold Belt of Colorado. In this video the viewer will learn about the layout of a typical 1800's mine site, to include the living arraignments of the old miners, dugout style cabins, food storage and the recreational activities of the old time miners.
This video also shows the geology of Supergene Enrichment and explains how these types of deposits created secondary type sulfide minerals. Some of the minerals shown and discussed in this video include; Malachite, Chalcopyrite, Chalcocite, Acanthite (Silver Mineral) and free mill Gold.
This video also explains the formation of Iron Gossan's and show's the viewer how old prospectors would investigate these types of mineral outcropping's for clues to precious metals contained below in the Sulfide Vein.
My contact information is: wirecanyon@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 112

  • @patranney1561
    @patranney15618 ай бұрын

    Great information on how the old miners pick an area to mine. First geologists.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes they were and dang good ones at that!! I like your comment, I've never thought of it like that, but you are spot on.

  • @fittekowner
    @fittekowner8 ай бұрын

    Your knowledge of geology is impressive. I was always told "gold rides an iron horse" which explains why the placer mines have so much black sand. Always look for transition zones as mineralization often occurs along faults and in the transition zone between. Nice work.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    You bet, those old timers were smart and I love there little catch phrases, "Gold Rides an Iron Horse" and similar type phrases. They were very colorful in their descriptions.

  • @RomeoJuju
    @RomeoJuju19 күн бұрын

    Excellent channel, great info. I’m glad I found you. Far superior to other similar channels in my opinion! Thanks

  • @OdySlim
    @OdySlim6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the video. I greatly enjoyed it. I also respect your decision to keep or to not keep the sample you found. personally I am glad you dedided to leave it where you found it. All the best to you my friend! Regards frouens from Ody Slim

  • @MrMarkAMartin
    @MrMarkAMartin8 ай бұрын

    Well done sir, respect your approach and understanding. Good for you on leaving the ore to tell it's story - it's only worth anything where it's at.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Mark and I agree 100%.

  • @ellisanderson7480
    @ellisanderson74807 ай бұрын

    Just discovered your channel. Very interesting and well done. Thank you!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Cool, welcome aboard.

  • @David-my3uu
    @David-my3uu7 ай бұрын

    Wonderful to find your channel. My gr grandfather went to Colorado from Germany in the 1870’s snd mined from Central City to Cripple Creek and on to Mexico. I think he was a bit more organized than these chaps but still a hard working life; great to see and appreciate what he and my grandfather after him did out there. Thanks so much!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Absolutely my friend and my pleasure. I love bringing honor and recognition to these old miners. People have forgotten their sacrifices.

  • @johnstich671
    @johnstich6717 ай бұрын

    You're a really good dude the world needs more people like you. And thank you very much for the history lesson and everything you're a good teacher I appreciate you.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks John, I'm just trying to show people a different approach with an emphasis on leaving stuff as you find it out in the wild places.

  • @NigelNaughton
    @NigelNaughton7 ай бұрын

    What an awesome and educational video. You are so right about the strength, fortitude and amazing ingenuity of these great men making the greatest country this world has ever seen.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you Nigel and I agree. They are unsung heroes of the old west.

  • @jamesf4405
    @jamesf44058 ай бұрын

    Great video! Keep history alive! Thank you

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes sir, that's what its all about.

  • @user-LarryG1261
    @user-LarryG12618 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed this one and learning something too! Thanks for taking your time to share this.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Your most welcome and thanks for sharing in the adventure.

  • @prospectpat
    @prospectpat8 ай бұрын

    I believe I just found a new favourite channel. Thanks for sharing, really enjoying this video!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks prospectpat. It's always nice to meet others who enjoy this type of stuff.

  • @wowbagger3505
    @wowbagger35058 ай бұрын

    The trend is called the central Colorado mineralized zone! Those, who became wealthy, were the shop keepers, particularly in Golden, who sold supplies to the miners!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Very true.

  • @SECRETCREEKPROSPECTING1776
    @SECRETCREEKPROSPECTING17768 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed listening to your expertise in minerals and how preserved you sate to keep the history fresh. Thanks for sharing your passion with us 😅

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    My pleasure friend, it's a good excuse to get out, absorb the fresh air and keep somewhat in shape. LOL.

  • @richardwaylonwalker696
    @richardwaylonwalker6966 ай бұрын

    I appreciate you sharing this video and knowledge.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    6 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and thanks for taking the time to watch.

  • @kevanstafne5342
    @kevanstafne53427 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed your video. Iwas an underground miner and still have an interest in mines

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Kevan, many thanks. I lived in coal country in S. West Virginia for a number of years. I had friends and neighbors who worked in the coal mines. They would come home with faces covered in coal dust every day. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what you guys do/did. Most people would never have the steadfastness to work in these mines. You guys are bad ass in my book.

  • @kevanstafne5342

    @kevanstafne5342

    7 ай бұрын

    @@LowBudgetExploration Iam a grandson of a coal miner but was an underground miner in the Homestake Gold mine in SDak for 27years

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    @@kevanstafne5342 Very cool

  • @randallalan4221
    @randallalan42218 ай бұрын

    Awesome informative video on mining history...was bit by the bug when living in Nevada and later Arizona...just subscribed and thanks for posting!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Randall and welcome to the Channel.

  • @peacebrain4471
    @peacebrain44714 ай бұрын

    Excellent video! Thanks!

  • @waltermorris5786
    @waltermorris57867 ай бұрын

    ENRICHMENT ZONE...THAT is a new concept for me, and I have studied geology in a small degree.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    They are rather interesting features. Your zones are as follows (beginning at the surface): Gossan Cap, Leached Zone, Oxide Zone, Enrichment Zone, Primary Ore Zone. You also have oxidizing and reducing stages within the structure. I believe these are heavily influenced by the water table, i.e., neutralization of the acid. Your secondary type minerals begin forming in the Enrichment Zone after transitioning from oxidizing to reducing. This is about as deep down the rabbit hole I can travel.

  • @bostonmountain
    @bostonmountain7 ай бұрын

    Thank you very much for your videos. Outstanding sites and information!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and thanks for watching.

  • @squadman3376
    @squadman33767 ай бұрын

    Rocks Rule !!.....My kids got so tired of me stopping along road cuts when they were little.....Keep on hiking !

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    LOL, yes they do!! I can relate to your post, very funny and true.

  • @connifilteau2678
    @connifilteau26788 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the really great geology lesson from Chalcopyrite to calcosite and also Anthancite. Excellent specimen to explain by.....thanks for sharing

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Your most welcome.

  • @CCaddy
    @CCaddy6 ай бұрын

    Awesome content!

  • @silverspikeprospecting
    @silverspikeprospecting8 ай бұрын

    Excellent video as well as very educational.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks SPP.

  • @silverspikeprospecting

    @silverspikeprospecting

    7 ай бұрын

    @@LowBudgetExploration You're welcome!

  • @magprob
    @magprob4 ай бұрын

    Great stuff! Thank you.

  • @darrylthehorntoadpiper
    @darrylthehorntoadpiper7 ай бұрын

    Great video & history lesson, thank you for sharing really enjoy your channel! 👍👍😬

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Awesome, thank you sir.

  • @dylanmccallister1888
    @dylanmccallister18887 ай бұрын

    You need more subscribers Its like. A more tolerable Jeff Williams. I love Jeff. But he has an energy to behold for sure and i cant always handle it 😂

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Dylan. I do this for fun and make just enough money from the videos to fill my jeep with gas, purchase some beef jerky, drinks and a can of chew for the next adventure. I have lots of fun doing it and figured sense I'm out in these places anyway, might as well film them and share with others. For me its not a business, its a work of love and hobby. Hopefully the subscribers grow, if not I'm fine with it. Thank you for supporting the channel.

  • @bobriddle6068
    @bobriddle60687 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @penttijuvo1147
    @penttijuvo11478 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this video🍻👍

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Your welcome and my pleasure.

  • @6870boardman
    @6870boardman8 ай бұрын

    Very well done. Thank you

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Boardman.

  • @captaincrunch5878
    @captaincrunch58788 ай бұрын

    You're putting out quality content sign me up !! Good job !!😊

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Captain.

  • @woodwoman9130
    @woodwoman91308 ай бұрын

    Cool place thanks for sharing .

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Your welcome and thanks for watching.

  • @debbiehenson227
    @debbiehenson2278 ай бұрын

    Wow, realy realy, like your videos, I'm so interested in these old timer gold stories, and your so knowledge able about it.😮😮

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Debbie, I'm glad others out there also enjoy this part of history as well. Not too many people interested in this sort of stuff anymore.

  • @chriswertz1438
    @chriswertz14388 ай бұрын

    Great video!!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Chris.

  • @daleparker4207
    @daleparker42078 ай бұрын

    Very cool

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Dale.

  • @donaldolin7219
    @donaldolin72198 ай бұрын

    Reminds me of the areas around the Phantom Canyon side of the Pikes Peak Area.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    You are in the ball park my friend.

  • @flyemhard
    @flyemhard8 ай бұрын

    good on ya'....thanks for sharing

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    You bet

  • @rickyhansen3822
    @rickyhansen38228 ай бұрын

    Have you ever found gold? I never have just looking around. You’re awesome . Gas prices went down finally. Rick

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    I do from time to time and also sliver and copper. I've never found any significant deposits or anything like that, nothing worth quitting the day job for. LOL.

  • @waltertodd4479
    @waltertodd44798 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing that knowledge on mining copper skarn deposits.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Hi Walter. I leaned that way at first, but there are no carbonate rocks to speak of. Unfortunately I couldn't go into the old mine, but the mining report did list the associated rock. None of which were carbonate. This is why I leaned towards sulfide enrichment, especially with the old gossan present.

  • @waltertodd4479

    @waltertodd4479

    8 ай бұрын

    @@LowBudgetExploration Yes. A skarn is just a iron rich rock. What you call gossan was the old miner term iron hat or horse. As in the saying gold always rides an iron horse. .Much of the polymetallic veins found around the giant Bingham copper deposit were lead zinc silver veins. The iron cap is the residuals left over after leaching by rainwater on pyrite. Gold rich areas were nearer the central portion of the copper deposit. Skarn or gossan formed between the copper pluton and the surrounding limestone and shales or schists. Gold placers were worked at Bingham in the skarn before open pit mining removed them. I always enjoy watching your videos because of the way you perceive the rocks or clues. It makes me understand things too..Please keep them coming.Thank You!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    @@waltertodd4479 Thanks Walter. One thing I enjoy about this type of stuff is its always a continuous education and keeps things interesting and fun. I would love to go back in time and just hang out with those guys around the campfire and hear their stories.

  • @waltertodd4479

    @waltertodd4479

    8 ай бұрын

    @@LowBudgetExploration Yes, I agree, Basinite. The old prospectors had nothing but time on their hands to observe very simple things about rocks. They also starved if they didn't find a discovery and produce something. I think how you document an old timer common sense approach to prospecting makes your videos be among the best out there...

  • @jeffreybail353
    @jeffreybail3537 ай бұрын

    nice vid

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you sir.

  • @adamspeck3162
    @adamspeck31628 ай бұрын

    10/10 my friend

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Mucho Gracias.

  • @penttijuvo1147
    @penttijuvo11478 ай бұрын

    Nice place to dig gold👋🇫🇮

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    I think they were stopped by the water table and didn't have the technology/resources back then to dig deeper into the primary ore deposits. I would imagine there are still more minerals hidden deep down in that pit.

  • @johncollier1173
    @johncollier11736 ай бұрын

    Can i send you a video to examine?also i must say your proficient with your perception.also many thanks i appriciate the wisdom in the content.excellent work.

  • @patrickjones1061
    @patrickjones10617 ай бұрын

    My friend thank you for your ventures into the back country. Are you in Southern Colorado still? Your knowledge is excellent. How did you learn your geology? You are very knowledgeable.😉

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Patrick, thanks and appreciate the compliment. I'm still roaming around between Utah and Colorado. Regarding Geology, I just pick up little bits here and there. Books, websites, KZread videos and such. I also try and attend lectures given by Geologist whenever I have the opportunity. If I find something I am curious about, I will research it and etc. Knowing the what/why/how of the rocks makes it funner while out exploring around. I'm still learning as I go and probably always will be. At least I hope so.

  • @PB-ny4hu
    @PB-ny4hu6 ай бұрын

    awesome program. What do you use to film and record your video?

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    6 ай бұрын

    An iPhone 12 that is 3+ years old, full of dust (I'm amazed the microphone still works), dropped in small rivers/creeks on 3 different occasions and from a cliff one time. This isn't counting the numerous times it's been dropped on the trail. Another time I lost it in the forrest, I had to back track and took me half a day to find it. Been a dang good phone.

  • @GarrisonFall
    @GarrisonFall2 ай бұрын

    I'm guessing the ore had to be dug with picks and shovels, pulled out of the mine in buckets, then taken to a depot or wherever (?) by horse or mule? It must have been hard, hard work with slim margins.

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    2 ай бұрын

    That's exactly how they would have did it. Whatever trail they used has been overgrown by thick brush. I was able to find bits and pieces of it here and there, but most has vanished. Near the trail I found some pieces of green rock with lots of copper and some old rusted mining buckets. Also found some bits and pieces of pieces of the metal stove down lower in the canyon (not sure why). Maybe they (or someone else) was trying to remove the stove but decided it was too heavy and said F it. LOL.

  • @mikeparadise5024
    @mikeparadise50248 ай бұрын

    Should have taken a little piece of that rock love the show xoxo thank you keep sake

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Mike. It's always tempting, but I'm glad I left it.

  • @winnettryan4566
    @winnettryan45668 ай бұрын

    Love your expeditions man ever need a second man lmk

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks bud, appreciate it.

  • @stardustblue3625
    @stardustblue36258 ай бұрын

    That chunk of ore with the green oxide @ 9:24 looks a lot like Chrysocolla

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    It does and very well could be. I leaned towards Malachite, due to the absence of any blue in the mineral.

  • @davidrussell8795
    @davidrussell87957 ай бұрын

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard it was adding zinc to copper to make bronze! Also,from my landlord who bought used brass,I learned there is red brass as well as yellow brass,or bronze as it's alternate name!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    Its Tin, somewhere around 10-15%.

  • @samstewart4807
    @samstewart48078 ай бұрын

    A fascinating video.Do you think these are still any "open veins" in the area? aka the mormon site or sites the Spanish worked?

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    This mine was worked by the Americans in the 1800's during the Colorado Gold Rush, not the Mormons or Spaniards. I honestly don't know what minerals are still waiting to be dug out of the old mine. I imagine they hit the water table and had to give it up. I think there could be other veins hidden on cliff edges, or exposed from natural erosion and etc, those old timers never found. At least its always fun to dream there is......

  • @samstewart4807

    @samstewart4807

    8 ай бұрын

    hi, thanks @@LowBudgetExploration

  • @adriaannikken7519
    @adriaannikken75194 ай бұрын

    Another old saying: Red and yellow make a happy fellow. maens Iron and sulphur make a man happy cause it probably carries rich gold ore

  • @ms.pugsley
    @ms.pugsley16 күн бұрын

    For pain they had Opium. They felt no pain.😅

  • @yaqayaqa
    @yaqayaqa7 ай бұрын

    why is it so unsharp?

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    7 ай бұрын

    I'm not sure, it's uploaded in 4k and looks good on my end. Maybe your settings?

  • @arthurbach9016
    @arthurbach90168 ай бұрын

    They're cess and their loss help build this great nation

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes sir, it surely did.

  • @joncastle8444
    @joncastle84448 ай бұрын

    Great stuff! Thank you!

  • @LowBudgetExploration

    @LowBudgetExploration

    8 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and glad you enjoyed it.