Ever found a gold ring and wondered, ‘Would this set off a metal detector?’ Dive into the golden mysteries of detection in our enlightening guide below!
My curiosity about metal detectors is so high, as I have been engaged in metal detecting for more than a decade as a hobby!
Initially, I was truly disturbed by how metal detectors shout at the metallic touch of weapons, but not at the metallic touch of jewels.
As I was surprised by this wisdom the metal detectors had, I built up many null assumptions.
Later, by analyzing all the precise facts, I was revealed the exact reason why gold such jewels are unnoticeable by many metal detectors.
I have researched this for a long time with the help of experts.
Now after years of experience, here’s what I know about, Does gold set off metal detectors?
Yes, gold does set off metal detectors since it is a highly conductive metal. The detection efficiency depends on the gold’s purity, size, and depth in the ground, as well as the detector’s capabilities and settings.
Knowing this basic relationship between a metal detector and gold, let’s move on to a sensational discussion on how they interact with each other in different scenarios.
So, let’s jump in!
Can Metal Detectors Detect Gold?
Yes, metal detectors can detect gold. But it depends on the type of metal detector!
I have personally experienced that some people are of the opinion that not a single metal detector could trap gold. But it is a myth!
From my personal experience, I can assure that some metal detectors fail to identify gold, while some succeed. Let me explain more clearly.
Metal detectors used in security checkpoints are sensitive towards magnetic metals only. Because hazardous weapons are made of magnetic metals.
In this case, they do not detect gold as gold is nonmagnetic.
However, many advanced metal detectors are available now. They use high frequencies to identify low conductivity metals.
I have experienced how successful these metal detectors are, when identifying low conductivity metals such as gold.
Do you know that gold is a non-magnetic metal that can be detected by metal detectors.
Can All Metal Detectors Detect Gold?
Yes, all metal detectors can detect gold, but you’ll get more benefits with VLF and PI metal detectors.
As I have been engaged in metal detecting for more than a decade, I have worked with many types of metal detectors.
Of them, here’re the best types of metal detectors for detecting gold,
- Non-Ferrous Metal Detectors
- Very Low Frequency Metal Detectors (VLF)
- Pulse Induction Metal Detectors (PI)
So, let’s talk about those gold metal detectors in detail.
Non-Ferrous Metal Detectors
Non-ferrous metal detectors are an exceptional type of metal detector. They could identify metals that have no magnetic properties.
Gold does not carry any magnetic property in it. That was why I failed to detect gold with a conventional metal detector, which was sensitive to the magnetic properties of the metal.
Gold is a non-ferrous metal and all the non-ferrous metal can be detected by metal detectors.
Anyway, I successfully detected gold when I used a non-ferrous metal detector.
Very Low Frequency Metal Detectors (VLF Metal Detectors)
Gold is by nature, a low conductivity metal. VLF Metal Detectors are sensitive to such metals as they use a constant sine wave to trap the metallic surface.
I have been successful in detecting gold through VLF metal detectors, but frankly speaking it was a little challenging.
Pulse Induction Metal Detectors (PI Metal Detectors)
For me, the best type of gold detector is Pulse Induction Metal Detectors.
As I researched on the functionality of Pulse Induction Metal Detectors, I found that they transmit electromagnetic fields to make the searching object energized on its own.
I have never heard of such an advanced technology by another metal detector!
On the other hand, from my personal experience, I assure that Pulse Induction Metal Detectors are easier to detect gold with compared to VLF Metal Detectors.
Factors Influence the Detection of Gold Using Metal Detectors
There’re several factors that directly affect gold metal detection techniques.
They are,
- Size of gold
- Shape and orientation
- Purity of gold
- Depth
- Soil Composition and Mineralization
- Environmental Conditions
- Metal Detector Settings
- Type and Frequency of Metal Detector
So, let’s talk about those gold detection factors in detail.
Size of Gold
The size of the gold item plays a significant role in its detectability.
Larger pieces of gold or gold nuggets will create a stronger signal and can be detected at greater depths compared to small gold flakes or dust.
Shape and Orientation
The shape and orientation of a gold object can also impact how well a metal detector can locate it.
Objects with a larger surface area facing the detector, such as a coin lying flat, are easier to detect than if they were positioned edge-on.
Also, irregularly shaped gold nuggets can sometimes give off weaker or inconsistent signals.
Purity of Gold
The purity of gold can influence the metal detector’s ability to detect it.
Pure gold is easier to detect than gold alloyed with other metals, as these metals can change the conductivity and other properties of the object.
Depth
The deeper the gold is buried in the ground, the more difficult it is to detect.
This is because as depth increases, the metal detector’s electromagnetic field becomes less potent and the signal from the gold item gets weaker.
Read to know, How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect Gold?
Soil Composition and Mineralization
High mineral content in the soil can interfere with the metal detector’s operation, sometimes causing false signals.
This is particularly true for gold prospecting in areas with hot rocks or black sand, which have a high iron content.
Some advanced metal detectors have ground balance controls to help mitigate these effects.
Environmental Conditions
Moisture content in the soil can enhance conductivity and make it easier to detect gold, while dry and sandy conditions can make detection more difficult.
Additionally, detecting in saltwater environments can pose a challenge due to the conductive properties of saltwater.
Metal Detector Settings
The settings used on the metal detector can significantly impact its ability to find gold.
Sensitivity settings, discrimination settings, and ground balance settings need to be properly adjusted to maximize the chances of finding gold.
For instance, if the discrimination is set too high, small gold items might be filtered out.
Type and Frequency of Metal Detector
The type of metal detector and its operating frequency can also impact gold detection.
High-frequency VLF detectors and Pulse Induction (PI) detectors are both effective at finding gold, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.
High-frequency VLF detectors are more sensitive to small pieces of gold, while PI detectors are better for detecting larger gold nuggets at greater depths.
With this significant revelation I made, I believe it would be important for you to have a little sense about how frequencies deal with gold and its detectors.
Let me explain.
Best Metal Detector Frequency for Gold
As I have researched, 14kHz is the best metal detector frequency for the level of gold.
That was why I recommended VLF metal detectors to detect gold, as they have a frequency range more than 14 kHz.
If the metal detector you just bought has a frequency range of 5 kHz to 15kHz, still you will be able to detect gold.
But it is quite challenging as its frequency limit is just near the required rate of 14kHz!
The 5kHz to 15 kHz range is the general frequency range of any metal detector.
This is why general metal detectors are not that much fit to detect gold, especially when it comes to smaller gold pieces.
Hence in my experience, higher the kHz range of the detector, the easier it becomes for you to identify gold.
Even some extraordinary gold detectors are there which have a frequency range that runs up to 40kHz, so they detect even the very small gold pieces so easily.
Best Metal Detectors for Gold
I prefer induction metal detectors over VLF metal detectors!
VLF metal detectors highly rely on the frequency of the surface.
For this reason, I hardly could assure that I detected all the gold pieces by using a VLF metal detector, and I am always bothered by the doubt that I missed anything.
In this scenario, pulse induction metal detectors do not disappoint me.
Even large-scale mining companies use these pulse induction metal detectors for their ability to identify gold that lies deeply underneath earth.
On the other hand, a VLF metal detector should consist of an extremely high kHz range to detect very small gold chunks.
Pulse induction metal detectors too have this problem; however, the induction balance detectors will successfully assist you here!
With this, we arrive at the most interesting part of the article which would describe to you on how to detect gold that lies underground.
How To Detect Gold Underground?
Pulse Induction Metal Detectors come with an extraordinary technology that could detect gold which lies on the deeper layers of the earth.
Commonly, this technology is known as pulse technology.
To clarify you briefly on the pulse technology, it transmits and receives electrical pulses as in a cycle within short intervals.
The corresponding responses that bounce back from the earth are identified using a 2D digital display.
Likewise, this technology is rich enough to detect the properties that are buried deep beneath the earth.
Additionally, this technology is also advanced enough to distinguish between ferrous metal and non-ferrous metals, hence professionals consider this as an evident fact to detect precious metals as many precious metals are non-ferrous.
Moreover, to discover the deeper layers of the earth, 2-box metal detectors are much more effective in comparison to conventional metal detectors.
2-box metal detectors could transmit signals deeper down to the earth and get the corresponding clues bounced back accurately, to identify the location.
Accordingly, to detect the gold that lies underground, either 2-box metal detectors or pulse induction metal detectors shall be used!
Pulse Induction (PI) metal detectors are often used for locating gold (and other metals) underground.
Here’s the process of how to use metal detector to detect gold,
- Understand the technology: Pulse Induction (PI) metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field into the ground, which induces a field in hidden metal objects. When the pulse’s magnetic field collapses, it causes the receiving coil to detect any reflected pulses from metal objects.
- Prepare your detector: Make sure your detector is fully charged and assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Put on any necessary headphones or earpieces. Adjust the settings as needed – PI detectors usually allow for adjustments in sensitivity and depth.
- Start sweeping: Hold your metal detector just above the ground and sweep it back and forth in a half circle in front of you as you walk. Be sure to overlap your sweeps to ensure that you cover the whole area.
- Listen for signals: The metal detector will emit a sound or vibration when it detects metal. Different signals often represent different types of metal. In the case of gold, many detectors are designed to emit a certain type of signal.
- Pinpoint the target: When you receive a signal, slowly move the detector over the area where you received the signal to pinpoint its source. This may take some practice.
- Digging: Once you’re sure that you’ve found a likely spot, you can begin to dig. Make sure to dig carefully and respectfully if you’re on public land or private property (with permission). Always fill in any holes you dig.
- Verify your find: Once you’ve found an object, you can use a small hand-held metal detector or probe to verify whether what you’ve found is gold.
Keep in mind, you’re not always going to find gold. Metal detectors pick up on all sorts of metal objects, including coins, jewelry, and junk metal.
But with practice, you can get better at distinguishing between the signals for different types of metal.
If you need to where to find gold, read my comprehensive guide about the Best Places to Find Gold Metal Detecting
As you have gained significant knowledge on how different metal detectors deal with gold, now I shall share my experience on how golds of different karats reacted with my experiments.
What if you don’t have a metal detector or your metal detector is already broken?
Don’t worry! Read this article to detect gold even without a metal detector.
What Number is Gold in Metal Detecting?
When you’re in the field swinging your trusty metal detector, you’re looking out for more than just beeps.
The digital readout or display, often called a Visual Discrimination Indicator (VDI), is equally important.
The VDI shows numbers that correspond to different types of metals, helping you to discriminate between valuable finds and junk.
Interpreting VDI Numbers
Generally, the VDI scale on most metal detectors ranges from -100 to +100.
Negative numbers typically indicate ferrous (iron-containing) metals, while positive numbers represent non-ferrous metals like copper, silver, and yes – gold.
Gold’s Signature Number
So, what number is gold on a metal detector? Gold usually appears in the low to mid-range of the metal detector’s VDI scale.
For example, on many detectors, small gold items might read in the 10-20 range, while larger gold objects could hit the 40-50 zone.
But remember, it can vary depending on the brand and model of your detector.
A Real-world Example
Take the Garrett AT Pro, a popular choice among detectorists. Gold signals usually fall between 35 and 50 on its scale.
Meanwhile, on the Fisher F2, another well-loved detector, gold often sits between 40 and 60.
The Complexity of Gold Detection
Although these numbers give you a general guideline, remember that detecting gold isn’t as straightforward as looking for a single number.
Gold’s conductivity, size, purity, and the surrounding soil conditions can all impact its VDI reading.
Therefore, familiarizing yourself with your specific metal detector and practicing in various environments is crucial.
Valuable Gold Findings
- Gold Coins: Ancient and rare gold coins can be found in various places, particularly around old settlements and shipwreck sites.
- Gold Nuggets: In gold-bearing regions, you may come across naturally occurring gold nuggets.
- Gold Jewelry: Lost or discarded gold jewelry, including rings, bracelets, bobby pins, and necklaces, can often be discovered, especially at beaches and parks.
- Gold Artifacts: In historical sites, you might detect gold artifacts, which could range from religious items to pieces of ancient civilizations.
Gold Karat Detector
As I explained to you in an initial stage of the article, a general metal detector has a kHz range of 5 to 15, and gold generally has a sensitivity of 14kHz.
There I acknowledged you; gold is comparatively low in its conductivity; hence, a general metal detector would hardly recognize the gold surfaces.
But as you might already know, different types of gold surfaces are available and they are categorized by the karat values, as in 24kt; 18kt; 14kt; 10kt etc.
The relationship between the karat value and the metal detectors is seriously interesting!
In simplest terms, if the karat level of a gold is high, its conductivity is high too.
In other words, if the karat level is high, it is more likely to get trapped by a given metal detector.
Let’s refer to the most common karat values and see how they each react with the metal detectors.
Does 24k Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
24k gold set-off metal detectors as their purity level is significantly high!
Hence, “the 14kHz frequency level” which is natural to real gold can most probably be there in a 24k gold piece.
Accordingly, a general metal detector that has a frequency range of 5kHz to 15kHz could be sensitive to this 14kHz, and it detects it.
This is why it is considered that 24K gold is detectable by most metal detectors.
Does 18k Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
18K Gold does set off metal detectors but has a lesser possibility to set off metal detectors as compared to 24k gold since it has more alloy in it.
Due to this fact, its natural conductivity level is weakened, which a general metal detector would be sensitive towards.
Therefore, 18k Gold would hardly set off a general metal detector.
Does 14k Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
14k gold does not set off metal detectors since the alloy propionate is high in 14k Gold. Hence the conductivity level is even weakened.
For this, a general metal detector has a high possibility of failing at detecting 14k gold.
Does 10k Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
In a 10K Gold component, the majority is other metals, not gold! Approximately 35% of Gold would be there in a 10k Gold surface.
For this reason, even a specified gold detector would struggle to identify a 10K Gold surface.
Therefore, the ability of a conventional metal detector to trap a 10k Gold component is null as I have experienced.
Now let’s discuss how this Karat – metal detector relationship aids you in day-to-day scenarios through a catchy example!
Can a Metal Detector Find a Gold Ring?
I lost my two gold rings recently, but I managed to find one with my conventional metal detector!
If I share the above story, your common question would be “why was the metal detector successful at finding one, but not the other?” The answer is simple.
The lost ring which I found back with my conventional metal detector was a 24kt one, while the other was less in its karat value.
Likewise, a general metal detector could be used to find a lost ring, only if the karat value of that ring is high!
With the knowledge you gained across what I shared so far, let’s move on to the basics you should know before you walk across security checkpoints with your gold jewels.
Do Gold Teeth Set Off Metal Detectors
It is very unlikely that gold teeth would set off a general metal detector, causing its material composition!
A professional dentist would hardly use 24k gold to implant a gold tooth.
This is because 24k gold is not as stiff as 18k or 22k gold as it has not been mixed with many alloys.
Hence, by considering the durability, gold teeth are made by using 10k – 22k gold.
As you know by now, a general metal detector fails to identify gold unless the karat value is 14 or above, hence gold teeth are unlikely to set off metal detectors.
Will Gold-Plated Jewelry Set Off a Metal Detector
This depends on the base metal of the jewelry you are referring to. Most probably gold-plated jewelry is made by using copper or brass as its base metal.
The gold in this jewelry is approximately .05%. Hence, the base metal plays a crucial role in setting off the metal detector.
As I have researched, copper usually sets off metal detectors, while brass hardly does.
Hence, the possibility of your gold-plated jewelry setting off a metal detector is high if it contains copper, but if it contains more brass, the situation goes to the other extreme!
Does Gold Get Detected by A Metal Detector at Airports?
Yes, gold can set off airport metal detectors. The metal detectors are designed to detect any metallic object, including gold, as their working principle is based on magnetic fields detecting the presence of metals.
Airports are one of the most crucial institutions of any state, hence the security is tightened like nothing.
For this reason, many airports use technologically advanced metal detectors now.
Therefore, it is more likely that the airport check-ins use metal detectors that are sensitive to many metals, including gold.
However, just because your gold jewelry made the detector set off, that doesn’t make you guilty, unless you were trying to leak some gold illegally to oversea land!
Does Fake Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
Well, that depends on the true material the Fake gold set component is made of.
In case, the golden color is applied to a magnetic metal such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or gadolinium, then the jewelry will set off the metal detector for the sake of those metals being magnetic.
Does Fool’s Gold Set Off Metal Detector?
Most of the time, fool’s gold is made of either mineral pyrite or iron pyrite.
If it is mineral pyrite, undoubtedly it won’t set off a metal detector, however, iron pyrite has a chance to set off metal detectors due to the magnetic fields it carries.
Can Metal Detectors Detect Gold Underwater?
Yes, metal detectors can detect gold underwater. However, you must ensure that your metal detector is designed for underwater use or is waterproof.
Some detectors have waterproof coils, meaning only the search coil can be submerged, while others are fully submersible.
Pulse Induction (PI) detectors are often preferred for underwater treasure hunting as they handle mineralization from saltwater better than Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors.
Gold reads the same underwater as it does on land, but remember, depth, water mineralization, and surrounding conditions can influence detection accuracy.
Over 80% of gold produced has been found by small-scale artisanal miners, many of whom are individual treasure hunters.
www.usgs.gov
That’s it, folks! Now you know does gold set off metal detectors and how to detect gold is the most suitable method.
As you’re interested in gold, read my comprehensive guide about, Does White Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Can metal detectors find gold jewelry?
Yes, metal detectors can find gold jewelry. However, the specific depth and precision of detection may vary based on the device’s sophistication and the size of the gold object.
Is gold detectable in a body scanner?
Yes, gold is detectable in body scanners at airports as these devices use advanced imaging technology to identify metallic and non-metallic objects under clothing.
Can gold be detected by a hand-held metal detector?
Yes, hand-held metal detectors can detect gold, as they work on the same principle as walk-through metal detectors, albeit on a smaller scale.
Does gold set off metal detectors at court buildings?
Yes, gold will set off metal detectors at court buildings. Similar to airport detectors, these are designed to ensure no prohibited items are brought inside, and gold is no exception.
Can a metal detector differentiate between gold and other metals?
Yes, some advanced metal detectors can differentiate between gold and other metals. These devices employ discrimination functions that can identify and ignore signals from unwanted metals.
Why is gold not detected in metal detectors?
Gold by nature is very low in its conductivity. Hence, a general metal detector that is not sensitive to low frequencies hardly detects gold. On the other hand, gold is a nonmagnetic metal, and many metal detectors are programmed to trap metals through magnetic fields.
Do airport scanners detect gold?
Being very high security zones, many airports use technologically advanced metal detectors. They are not restricted to identify high-conductivity metals; hence, they have a chance to identify non-ferrous metals too such as gold.
How do metal detectors find gold?
Very Low Frequency Metal Detectors can find gold, so as the Pulse Induction Metal Detectors. They are technologically advanced than conventional metal detectors, so they could detect gold even though conventional metal detectors fail.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Does Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?
In this article, I have deeply discussed does gold set off metal detectors and how different types of metal detectors find gold with various frequency ranges.
In a nutshell, gold is a nonmagnetic metal that has a very low conductivity; hence, a conventional metal detector hardly detects gold.
Plus, there’re some practical methods to hide gold from metal detectors as well.
The natural frequency of Gold is 14kHz, why a conventional metal detector that has a maximum frequency range of 15kHz struggles to trap gold surfaces.
Gold does set off metal detectors. Most detectors use electromagnetic fields to identify metal objects, including gold, by inducing a field in these objects and detecting the reflected pulses.
However, very low frequency metal detectors and pulse induction detectors are technologically advanced to detect gold.
Anyway, the karat value of the gold surface is one most crucial facts, as if the karat value is less, it becomes harder for the metal detectors to identify the gold in it.
Now, let’s go outside with your metal detector and try to identify as many as gold treasures!
