The confluence of two rivers. K arat Describes the purity of gold. Most placer gold is in the range of 18 to 22 karats. The molten material which lies beneath the earth's outer crust. The quality of being able to be hammered or shaped into various forms without being broken in the process.
Gold is highly malleable.
Highly toxic metal. Motherlode The major in-situ source of placer gold in a given area. A mass, or lump of valuable metal. O utcropping The end of a lode which extends out and is exposed to view. Overburden The low grade streambed material which overlies a placer paystreak.