Creek Fossicking

[Stix]

GEM FEVER has hit me with a bang AGAIN.  To cut a long story I have some high expectations for an area of land I currently hunt on which is close to both the willows and Glenalva fossicking areas.

I'm trying to establish the presence of sapphires in this untouched area.  There is a dry creek bed that runs right through the middle of the area I believe could hold sapphires and there is a interesting bend in the creek I have identified as high potential.  My problem is I'm a CQ fossicker, I don't dig in creeks but in dirt and rock lol.  So to all you experts, where abouts in this little river formation would you be expecting to find the heavies?  Flow is from bottom to top but only runs during rain, very fine white sand predominant on the surface.  I have found iron stone and spinnel on the surface in this area while hunting.



what do you all think?

Stix

[Gem Ranger]

Hi Stix,

Bit difficult to say not inspecting the site in person but the attached is my best guess. The main channel would likely act as a natural sluice box during peak flow, especially if the basement material is irregular. The gully to the west may hold a few stones if the sapphire is shedding directly from the basalt above. Be sure to take a probing rod to sound out the gravel 'crunching' sound beneath the sand on your next visit.

Cheers,
GR