Few other geologists in history have been as successful at finding gold and other mineral deposits as the authors. The senior author discovered hundreds of gold anomalies and was on the discovery team of one of the largest gold deposits in North America in the Kuskokwim Mountains of Alaska and made the initial discovery of an entire gold district in the Rattlesnake Hills of Wyoming, which is being touted as another Cripple Creek. Although the book focuses on Wyoming; gold is described in other western States in this first volume of two on gold in the West. The authors provide the reader with information on where to find gold, how to find gold and give four decades of combined experience to help the reader understand what to look for and how to read the geology and rock outcrops.
About the Author: W. Dan Hausel is only one of a handful of geologists in history who made more than one major gold discovery. He and six other geologists were awarded the "2009 Thayer Lindsley Award for an International Mineral Discovery" by Canada's PDAC for his work on the Donlin Creek gold deposit in Alaska; a gold deposit with as much gold as the Homestake mine. He discovered the Rattlesnake Hills district in Wyoming that is currently being tauted as another Cripple Creek gold deposit, and identified hundreds of other precious metal and gemstone anomalies and deposits during his career. The National Rock Hound and Lapidary Hall of Fame presented him the "Education Award" for his contributions to educating the public. The Wyoming Geological Association presented him their "2004 Distinguished Service Award" for contributions leading to the scientific advancement of geological knowledge. He mapped more than 1,000 square kilometers of complex geological terrain, published more than 1,000 books, maps, papers and abstracts, and gave more than 400 lectures to general interest and professional audiences. His work led Wyoming to being recognized as the most diversifed gemstone state in the US. Eric J. Hausel began his interest in rocks and minerals at an early age by finding a rare fossil fish and then extraordinary ruby gemstones. His interest in geology led to studies at the University of Wyoming where he graduated with degrees in Geology, Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics. After graduation, he accepted a position with a major oil company and continues his interests in mineralogy, astrophysics, astronomy and art.