Aluminum 31900
Beryllium 32700
Vanadium 32800
Titanium 35300
Thallium 36600
Palladium 37700
Lead 38000
Chromium VI 39200
Silver 43300
Mercury 43700
Magnesium 45300
Gallium 45400
Manganese 45700
Tungsten 47500
Lithium 47900
Indium 48300
Tantalum 48900
Rubidium 49200
Molybdenum 49800
Nickel 55200
Zinc 56200
Cobalt 56300
Iridium 57000
Cadmium 57300
Copper 58600
Gold 59000
Osmium 59200
Platinum 59300
Tin 59700
Understanding Metal Detector Frequencies
Before we go on the Best Frequency for Detecting Gold, we know the metal detectors and their types , and the frequencies used in them,
Metal detectors operate at various frequencies, which significantly influence their performance in terms of detection depth, sensitivity, and target discrimination. Here’s a breakdown of how these frequencies work and their implications for metal detection:
1. Frequency Ranges
Low Frequencies (1-15 kHz):
Characteristics: These frequencies are better for detecting larger targets at greater depths. They penetrate the ground more effectively, making them suitable for finding coins and high-conductivity metals like silver.
Advantages: Greater detection depth and better performance in mineralized soils.
Disadvantages: Lower sensitivity to small, low-conductive targets like gold nuggets.
Medium Frequencies (15-30 kHz):
Characteristics: Offer a balance between depth and sensitivity. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including coin shooting and relic hunting.
Advantages: Good discrimination capabilities and faster recovery speed compared to low frequencies.
Disadvantages: Moderate sensitivity to small targets.
High Frequencies (30-80 kHz):
Characteristics: More sensitive to smaller targets, such as gold nuggets and jewelry. Ideal for shallow searches.
Advantages: Excellent for detecting small items but less effective at greater depths.
Disadvantages: More affected by ground mineralization, requiring careful ground balancing.
2. Types of Metal Detector Technologies
Very Low Frequency (VLF):
Most common type, operates between 3 kHz and 45 kHz. VLF detectors use two coils—one for transmitting and one for receiving—allowing them to discriminate between different types of metals.
Pulse Induction (PI):
Operates differently by sending short bursts (pulses) of current through the coil. PI detectors are excellent for deep targets and perform well in highly mineralized soils but do not discriminate well between metals.
Multi-Frequency Detectors:
These detectors can operate on multiple frequencies simultaneously, allowing them to detect both low-conductivity and high-conductivity targets effectively. This versatility is beneficial in various environments, especially where different types of metals are present.
3. Practical Applications
For prospecting gold, detectors operating at higher frequencies (17 kHz to over 70 kHz) are recommended due to their sensitivity to small gold nuggets.
For general-purpose detecting (coins, jewelry), a frequency range of 5 kHz to 15 kHz is often ideal.
In beach environments or mineralized ground, multi-frequency or pulse induction detectors are preferred due to their ability to handle challenging conditions without confusion from saltwater or minerals.
Choosing the right frequency for your metal detector depends on the specific targets you are searching for and the conditions of the environment. Understanding these frequency characteristics can significantly enhance your success in metal detecting activities.
