We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

The People Still Searching For Gold In California’s Hills

While the Gold Rush of the 1850s may be over, there are still prospectors trying to find their fortune. But at what environmental cost?

By Sarah Jay
Mar 3, 2022 3:50 PMMar 3, 2022 4:01 PM
gold
(Credit:ANDREI RASPUTIN/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Gold! This shiny, valuable metal makes a poor man rich and a rich man richer. At one time in the history of the U.S., gold was a hot commodity that brought people from around the world to California. While it may not be as prominent today due to abstracted currencies like credit cards and crypto, gold-standard aside, the relative rarity of gold makes it valuable still.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.