10 pounds dirt with  Black sand with Specs of Gold, copper, silver and a  dirt from Pinos Altos New Mexico! Brief description of Pinos Altos...

Pinos Altos, New Mexico, near Silver City, was a booming gold mining town established in 1860 after gold was discovered in Bear Creek, leading to significant lode and placer mining with numerous historic mines like the Pacific Mine and Cleveland Mine. While historically rich in gold, silver, copper, and zinc, today it's a historic district, with modern mining operations by companies like Agnico Eagle in the broader Pinos Altos district, but the original town's mining activity is now part of its historical ghost town charm, with gold panning still possible in its creeks.

History of Gold Mining in Pinos Altos

Discovery (1860): Three prospectors found gold in Bear Creek, quickly leading to a rush and the founding of the town, originally named Birchville.

Rich Deposits: The area became known for its valuable lode (vein) and placer (stream) gold deposits, attracting miners seeking fortune.

Historic Mines: The Pinos Altos Mining District hosted many historic mines, including the Pacific, Cleveland, and Mountain Key mines, producing gold, silver, copper, and zinc.

Decline & Ghost Town: Like many mining camps, production eventually slowed, but the town remained, preserving its rich mining heritage as a historic area and ghost town.

Great for

Gold panning

Crafts

Collecting gold specs

Rituals

Incense etc..