What Do Metal Detectors Detect? - Treasure Hunting

Can Metal Detectors Find Gold

The short answer to this question is… yes. Metal detectors can find gold, but with large variance.

While all metal detectors can detect gold, not all are created equally. Several kinds of detectors are made that are more specific and sensitive to gold and are therefore made for those of us solely interested in finding gold jewelry.

If your primary objective is to find gold, here’s a compiled list of the best metal detectors tailored specifically for gold prospecting. 

Metal detectors designed specifically for gold hunting are made to cancel out mineralization. It is therefore important to understand the geography of the targeted region first.

There are typically two kinds of detectors for gold-hunting. A very low frequency (VLF) detector and a pulse induction (PI). VLF detectors offer a higher sensitivity to small gold nuggets, while PI detectors are able to detect larger nuggets found deeper in the soil.

Pulse Impulse detectors can even function in mineralized soil. They are, of course, pricier as a result and are the newer current technology.

Can Metal Detectors Find Aluminum

Did you know that there have been instances in which the aluminum foil wrapper found commonly in chewing gum set off alert signals at airport security? Strange to think about but this has actually happened before.

Metal detectors are able to find aluminum because as a non-ferrous metal it is naturally non-magnetic. But it is a pretty good conductor of electricity. When it comes to metal detectors, objects made of/or containing aluminum are easily and very commonly detected.

Unfortunately, many aluminum finds are pretty useless. Who wants to find a ring-pull anyway? 

Can Metal Detectors Find Titanium

Titanium is a type of metal that is difficult for us to find as it is not easily detectable by a metal detector. A newer metal detector can be used to find titanium. But Titanium is neither a good conductor of electricity nor magnetic. This means it is super hard to find and requires lots of patience!

First, we have to set our metal detectors to a lower frequency. We also have to be conscious of the type of soil we are searching in. Highly mineralized soil is more difficult to work with unless you have great experience in it.

What is Discrimination in Metal Detecting

After turning on your metal detector and beginning to hunt, you will notice that everything that is detectable will be detected. This includes metallic pieces of trash and mineralized ground too. Discrimination in metal detecting is when we slowly begin to add a differentiator so that only a specific range is detectable.

To learn how to discriminate, you slowly begin by trying to search for coins or foil on the ground and then gradually increase the differentiation. With regular practice, you can begin to determine what type of signals you are picking up and whether you feel its worth the hunt!

Bottom Line

What do metal detectors detect exactly? Lots of things!

From non-valuable mineralized soil, pieces of trash to large gold nuggets. Metal detectors are for those of us who are patient but eager to go on a hunt for treasure!

With time and practice, we can all learn how to search for objects that spark our interests. We also learn about our historical surroundings and often can cash in some of our enticing finds!