Maps and Books for Arizona Gold and Gold Prospecting

Circular 20, Revised January, 2009

Arizona Lode Gold Mines and Gold Mining,
Arizona Geological Survey Bulletin 137.

This 254-page book contains descriptions of most past producing lode gold mines in Arizona. It is divided into chapters by counties. There are also chapters on small mine development, mining laws and prospecting. (The chapter on mining law is out-of-date and should not be used.) The book was originally published in 1934 with only slight revisions in 1967. It is out of print but a 10 MB pdf version can be downloaded by clicking here.

Gold Placers and Placering in Arizona,
Arizona Geological Survey Bulletin 168.

A 124-page publication on placer gold deposits was published in 1961. It contains descriptions of most past producing placer gold mines and deposits in Arizona. It is out of print but a Gem Guides reprint is available for sale at the Department and a pdf version can be downloaded by clicking here.

Placer Gold Deposits of Arizona,
U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1355. (1973)

A 103-page book with a 30" x 30" folding map on placer gold deposits in Arizona. This excellent bulletin is no longer available from government sources but a Gem Guides reprint is available at the the Department and local bookstores. Reprints of the map are available from the Department.

Gold Panning in Arizona,
Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources Mineral Report No. 7. (1990)

Includes the origin of placer gold in Arizona, prospecting tips, panning instructions, and maps to panning areas. 30 pages. Available at the Department and local bookstores.

Mineral and Water Resources of Arizona,
Arizona Geological Survey Bulletin 180. (1969)

This comprehensive bulletin contains a 12-page chapter on placer and lode gold. The publication also contains individual chapters on all of Arizona’s metallic and nonmetallic mineral commodities. The book contains over 60 chapters and 638 pages. It is a valuable compendium of mineral resource information on Arizona. Many references are provided for each commodity chapter. It is available by mail or at the sales counter of the Arizona Geological Survey. A pdf version of the gold chapter can be downloaded by clicking here.

Principal Gold-Producing Districts of the United States,
U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 610 (1968)

This book is a nation-wide compendium describing the geology, mining history, and production of the major gold-mining districts in 21 states. Available on line (24 MB pdf) by clicking here.

United States Mineral Resources,
U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 820 (1973)

This book is a nation-wide compendium similar to the one described above. It contains a 13-page chapter on gold. The 722-page hard-bound book contains chapters on all metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources in the United States. Available on line from the USGS by clicking here.

Mineral Facts and Problems,
U.S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin 675. (1985)

Contains a 16-page chapter on gold and its technology, industry, production, and consumption. The 956-page hardbound book contains chapters on all mineral commodities. Reference copies may be used at the Department.

Gold In the United States,
U. S. Geological Survey Mineral Report 24.

A map of gold occurrences throughout the United States. Available from the U. S. Geological Survey. Reference copies may be used at the Department.

Handbook for Prospectors, Fifth edition.
Richard M. Pearl, 472 pages.

This book contains an 11-page chapter on precious metals as well as information on general prospecting, geologic occurrence of lode and placer deposits, and highlights of opening a mine, mining techniques, and marketing. Out of print. Possibly available from used book stores or libraries. Reference copies may be used at the Department.

Suggestions for Prospecting,
U.S. Geological Survey.

A 24-page pamphlet which discusses prospecting for gold and other minerals. Includes brief discussions of various prospecting methods. A single copy is available free by writing to the U. S. Geological Survey, Branch of Distribution, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

Mineral Deposit Models,
U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1693. (1986)

A 379-page compilation of models that describe the essential characteristics of mineral deposits. Available from the U. S. Government Printing Office and online.

Gold and Silver Handbook,
Stanley W. Ivosevic. (1984)

Covers the geology, exploration, production, and economics of large tonnage, low grade deposits. 217 pages. Available at book stores or libraries.

Laws and Regulations Governing Mineral Rights in Arizona,
Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources Special Report 12.

This book explains the Federal and State laws and regulations regarding locating (staking) and maintaining title to mining claims on Federal land in Arizona. Further, the book explains the procedure for acquiring mining rights on State owned Trust Lands. Chapters are also included on lands open (or closed) to prospecting and on permit requirements for prospecting activities on Federal land which involve significant surface disturbance. Available from the Department.

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