Subject
Prospecting Books
Best books
Fred C. (Frederick Carruthers) Cornell
The glamour of prospecting : $b wanderings of a South African prospector in search of copper, gold, emeralds, and diamonds
"The Glamour of Prospecting" by Lieut. Fred C. Cornell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This narrative chronicles the author’s adventures as a prospector in South Africa, detailing his relentless search for valuable minerals like copper, gold, emeralds, and diamonds. The text seamlessly weaves tales of hardships and thrilling explorations in the wild regions of South Africa, giving readers insight into both the beauty and danger encountered in such a precarious profession. At the start of the book, the author introduces his internal struggle with "diamond fever," a passion for the rough stone that drives many to endure difficult and often fruitless journeys in search of fortune. The narrative highlights a series of wild-goose chases, including a significant venture in 1907, where the excitement surrounding diamond discoveries in German South-West Africa leads him and his companions on a grueling expedition. They encounter challenging conditions, dashed hopes, and the harsh realities of prospecting, ultimately returning underwhelmed yet persistent in their quest for discovery.
Charles A. Bramble
The A B C of Mining: A Handbook for Prospectors
"The A B C of Mining: A Handbook for Prospectors" by Charles A. Bramble is a practical guide focused on the process of prospecting for minerals and ores, written in the late 19th century. The author, a former mineral surveyor, provides detailed insights into exploratory techniques, the physical properties of ores, field geology, and methods for testing and analyzing minerals. The book intends to cater to novice prospectors seeking guidance as they embark on their mineral exploration ventures. The opening of the handbook presents an encouraging perspective on prospecting, emphasizing that one need not be a trained mining engineer to find success in the field. Bramble elaborates on the skills and tools required for effective prospecting, suggesting basic equipment and highlighting the importance of observational skills. He assures prospective miners that valuable discoveries can be made with minimal resources, drawing on anecdotes and emphasizing the iterative learning process involved in understanding geology and mineralogy as one gains field experience. Overall, this introductory segment sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of mining techniques and principles for budding prospectors.
James Orton
Underground Treasures: How and Where to Find Them A Key for the Ready Determination of All the Useful Minerals Within the United States
"Underground Treasures: How and Where to Find Them" by James Orton is a resourceful manual focused on mineralogy and prospecting, written in the late 19th century. The book addresses the practical identification and extraction of valuable minerals found in the United States, equipping readers with the knowledge to discern between useful minerals and their look-alikes, thereby highlighting the hidden wealth beneath the American landscape. Orton's aim is to make this vital information accessible to non-scientists such as farmers, mechanics, and laborers. The opening of the book introduces the concept of the immense mineral wealth of the United States, emphasizing how much remains undiscovered or misidentified. It outlines the fundamental premise that various minerals can be misrepresented, leading individuals to miss out on valuable resources. The author stresses the importance of practical knowledge for identifying useful minerals and sets the tone for the work's instructional nature with a promise of simplified guidelines and a metaphorical "key" that allows the layperson to unlock the monetary potential of the rocks and soils they encounter. This introductory chapter serves as a call to action for readers to actively engage in mineral exploration.
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