Some of the richest Gold Fields both in resources and Mineable Deposits are located 70 miles North of where I live. Victoria, Australia. In 1852 the struggling Settlement of what was then Southern NSW needed rescuing, along came the Alluvial Gold discoveries. The rest is History. Yes, I have searched for alluvial gold nuggets, using detectors. With my thermos Flasks and cut sandwiches. I enjoyed the picnics in the bush, the fresh air, etc. There's a lot of dirt between the nuggets. I found the dirt, no worries. I've googled of course, but nowhere could I possibly identify the source and probable disposition of the Mother Lode. For that matter, the Age of the Victorian Deposits is also somewhat of a mystery. I assume Volcanic surfacing of the gold in molten form, probably 40/25 million years ago. This is my Guestimate going on known eruptions in this State of Australia. I understand that there have been more recent eruptions, some in the south west ( western Victoria ) as recent as 12/14 thousand years ago. But I believe the gold was brought to the surface layers of the Victorian Crust much earlier. Am I right in thinking this or is it still Scientific speculation at this time? Are the Jury still out? westwind.![]()