The more observant prospectors would have noticed a correlation of
mineralization with change in rock types. Such correlations were known
certainly in medieval time (e.g. Mansfeld, Germany in Agricola's "De Re
Metalica" where the stratigraphy was well known) and probably as early as the
early Bronze Age in the Middle East and central Europe. However, prospecting
pits might be randomly dug by less experienced 'week-end' prospectors and
there may have been more of these latter in many districts. The short answer
is "yes" there was very early knowledge of what is considered today as
'geological principles'
The same observations will apply equally to lead deposits as to other metals.
The problem in Iowa should be solved if you have access to the geological
maps of the area.
Peter Siems.
NIDAHO.NET -- Your North Idaho Network/default_signature>@@@HELP_TEXT@@@?
---------- Original Message -----------
From: "Pratt, Daniel R." <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 10:36:05 -0600
Subject: Prospecting for Galena
> On a related note, to what degree did prospectors in the 17th, 18th,
> and 19th century rely on surface geology to locate galena deposits?
> In the Dubuque, Iowa (USA) region, galena is found near the
> transition between the Maquoketa Shale and the Galena Dolomite. I
> am still trying to determine whether the locations of thousands of
> prospecting pits in the area correlate with the geologic boundary,
> and whether that suggests a familiarity with geological principles.
>
> Anybody have experience with lead prospecting pits? Are they typically
> located in geologically high-potential areas, or rather more "randomly"
> scattered on the landscape?
>
> Daniel R. Pratt
> Architectural Historian/Archaeologist
>
> HDR | ONE COMPANY | Many Solutions
> 6190 Golden Hills Drive | Minneapolis, MN | 55416-1567
> Phone: 763.591.5423 | Fax: 763.591.5413 | Email:[log in to unmask]
------- End of Original Message -------
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