Gold & Gem Mining in Gloucestershire
Inspired by a few TV shows I watch, I have researched the geology of gold and gems found in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. This includes details of precious metals and stones found in the county and historical mines.
Inspiration
A few television programs that inspired me to do some research are:
Gold Rush
This is a long-running show about miners in Alaska learning the ropes of commercial mining in the Yukon. It covers various groups learning the trade and their progress. More info…
Devils Canyon
Individuals prospect in a dangerous wilderness in British Columbia, Canada, called Devils Canyon, where they must survive and find gold in the fast-running canyon.
Prospectors
The Prospectors TV show follows miners in the Colorado Rocky Mountains as they look for precious metals and gems, including aquamarine, blue topaz, amazonite and smoky quartz. The gems they find are fascinating, and so is the process of finding them. More info…
The UK Law on Gold Mining
Gold and silver are classed as ‘Mines Royal’ and, in most cases in England and Wales, the rights are managed by The Crown Estate. Commercial exploration for gold or silver requires permission from The Crown Estate, and access to land also requires permission from the landowner. The Crown Estate also states that it does not grant permission for people to remove gold found by panning. Landowner permission to access a stream or river does not give permission to take any gold away. Other environmental protections and restrictions may also apply depending on the location. More information…
Gloucestershire Gold & Gemstones
Snippets of information about precious metals and gemstones found in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean.
Bailey Level
Bailey Level is a former gold mine near Wigpool & Drybrook and an iron mine in the Forest of Dean. Volunteer members of the Lea Bailey Light Railway Society manage the mine and surface features. The mine closed in 1908 because it could not be extracted economically due to the small amount of gold present. Reports suggest gold is found downstream of Bailey Level, but anyone considering panning should know landowner permission is required for access, and the Crown Estate does not grant permission to remove gold found by panning.
Gold Panning
A useful beginner video on panning techniques used.
The Quest Continues…