Good Gossan vs Bad Gossan GeologyUpSkill 2025-09-22 | Rule #16 says "If it's brown Bag it!" but there is one type of brown that breaks the rule.
Three Quartz Textures GeologyUpSkill 2025-09-04 | Recognizing different quartz textures and understanding their relative timing can really help you to explore hydrothermal mineralization systems.
A, B and D-Type Veins in Porphyry Copper Deposits GeologyUpSkill 2025-08-25 | The A B and D type vein naming system for porphyry copper deposits and other mineralization systems in that environment was developed by Gustafson and Hunt in 1975 at the El Salvador porphyry copper deposit in Chile, but it has been expanded to account for the natual variability in other systems of that type.
Youtube Voice Dubbing GeologyUpSkill 2025-08-14 | Youtube is quietly rolling out big changes to their automated voice dubbinbg.
Super Sinter GeologyUpSkill 2025-07-12 | Sinters are a clear indicator that you have found the top a fossilized hydrothermal system, but recognizing them can be a bit tricky.
Cranky Rock Python GeologyUpSkill 2025-06-22 | Most snakes you see in the bush are happy to go the other way when they see you, but Black Headed Rock Pythons can be a little bit cranky!
Feeder Structures in High Sulphidation Epithermal Systems GeologyUpSkill 2025-04-20 | Understanding and recognising feeder structures is critical when exploring high sulphidation epithermal systems for gold and copper deposits. This is a summary highlights version for Youtube. The full "movie length" version in my Fieldcraft for Geologists series here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Golden Crown Mine GeologyUpSkill 2025-02-08 | The Golden Crown mine in Thames New Zealand has a unique combination of restored mine, stamp battery, mill and steam engines all on the one site.0:00 Golden Crown Mine1:33 Underground Mining3:55 Geology4:57 Stamp Battery9:30 Mercury Retort10:44 Wilfley Tables11:29 Ball Mill11:47 Berdan Pan12:08 Cyanide12:29 Steam Power13:34 Steam Boiler14:24 Steam EnginesPhoto Credits:Halcyon Mine Photothamesnz-genealogy.blogspot.com/2014/12/thames-nz-halcyon-goldmine-karaka-creek.htmlJohn Stewart MacArthurBy Elliott & Fry according to verso jsmacarthur-X-007v on flickr - recto jsmacarthur-X-007r on flickr, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44335847Charles Ring PhotoThe Cyclopaedia of New Zealand, Vol 2, Auckland Province. Christchurch: Cyclopaedia Company Limited, 1902 The New Zealand Insurance Company Limited. Bold Century. Auckland: The New Zealand Insurance Company Limited, 1959.Alluvial Miners Photomadonnewzealand.com/collectables/nostalgic-new-zealand/new-zealand-business-industry/mining-industry/1458087-photography-historicalCaledonian Mine Photocollection.waikatomuseum.org.nz/objects/28275/caledonian-gold-mine-thames-nzGreat DepressionBy Unknown author or not provided - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17057587Treaty of VersaillesBy William Orpen - Imperial War Museum Collections: Website Webpage, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67169784Gold mining batteries Moanataiari ATLAlexander Turnbull Library Collection PAColl-7395-1
Governments Love-Hate Mining GeologyUpSkill 2025-02-01 | Governments have a love-hate relationship with mining that follows a fairly predictable cycle.Once you understand the cycle, you can pick the narrow window of opportunity where successful exploration investments can be made.0:00 The Cycle0:24 Languages1:14 Geology vs Attitude2:28 Different Countries Different Cycles3:06 How It Starts3:58 A New Law4:11 The Boom4:33 Beginning of the End5:10 The End Game5:45 The Death Knell6:31 Last of the Mohicans6:54 Death Spiral7:14 The Window Opens7:39 Boom Times7:56 The Window Closes
UST Textures (Brain Rock) GeologyUpSkill 2024-12-06 | Everything you ever wanted to know about Unidirectional Solidification Textures (also known as Brain Rock).Many thanks to Doug Kirwin and Dr Alan Wilson for contributing so many photographs and so much background information.Special thanks to Nicole Richards Guillou for making the beautiful cut-away animation at 4:02.Index:0:00 What are USTs0:29 Doug Kirwin0:42 Metallurgy definition0:55 Geological context1:34 Characteristics2:26 Minerals2:44 Variants3:43 Sizes4:02 Shapes5:39 History6:25 Formation processes models7:25 Magmatic model8:42 Hydrothermal model9:54 Model issues12:24 Fluid inclusions14:41 Vein relationships14:52 Mineralization relationships15:30 Timing Relationships16:59 The Ridgeway exception19:01 Crenulations20:13 Exploration ImplicationsLiterature referenced in the video:Wilson A.J. (2003). "The geology, genesis and exploration context of the Cadia gold-copper porphyry deposits, New South Wales, Australia".Thesis for PhD. University of Tasmania. November 2003.Müller A., Kirwin D. & Seltmann R. (2023). "Textural characterization of unidirectional solidification texturesrelated to Cu–Au deposits and their implication for metallogenesis and exploration". Mineralium Deposita (2023) 58:1211–1235.Seo J. H. Kim Y. Lee T. & Guillong M. (2021). "Periodically Released Magmatic Fluids Create a Texture of Unidirectional Solidification (UST) in Ore-Forming Granite: A Fluid and Melt Inclusion Study ofW-Mo Forming Sannae-Eonyang Granite, Korea" Minerals 11: https:// doi. org/ 10. 3390/ min11 080888Kirwin D.J. (2005). "Unidirectional solidification textures Associated With Intrusion-Related Mongolian Mineral Deposits". In: Seltmann R, Gerel O, Kirwin DJ (eds) eodynamics and Metallogeny of Mongolia with a Special Emphasis on Copper and Gold Deposits. Centre for Russian and Central Eurasian Mineral Studies, IAGOD Guidebook Series 11, London, pp 63–84Kirwin D.J. (2006). Unidirectional solidification textures, miarolitic cavities and orbicles: field evidence for the magmatic to hydrothermal transition in intrusion-related mineral deposits. Presentation at SEEGF conference October 2006.Shannon j.R., Walker B.M., Carten R.B. & Geraghty E.P. Unidirectional solidification textures and their significance in determining relative ages of intrusions at the Henderson Mine, Colorado. Geology. v.10. pp. 293-297, June 1982.Sinclair W.D. (2007) "Porphyry Deposits". Mineral Deposits of Canada - A Synthesis of Major Deposit Types, District Metallogeny, the Evolution of Geological Provinces, and Exploration Methods (pp.223-243)Edition: Special Publication 5Publisher: Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division.Yasuda H., Morishita k. Yoshia M & Narumi T. (2020) "Transformation from Ferrite to Austenite during/after Solidification in Peritectic Steel Systems: an X-ray Imaging Study". ISIJ International, Vol. 60 (2020), No. 12, pp. 2755–2764 doi.org/10.2355/isijinternational.ISIJINT-2020-486
Sodic Alteration GeologyUpSkill 2024-11-11 | Sodic alteration facies is the long lost cousin of phyllic alteration, but it's good to know that part of the family!
Hornblende Alteration Indicator GeologyUpSkill 2024-11-06 | Hornblende is one of the most useful minerals when you are mapping hydrothermal altertation.
Ultramafic Plants GeologyUpSkill 2024-10-21 | I found a patch of very unusual plants in PNG.As usual, the rocks tell the story!
Hot Spring Epithermal System GeologyUpSkill 2024-10-02 | When you are looking at epithermal and porphyry systems, it's important to understand where you are in the system in 3 dimensions, but you also need to think about the 4th dimension of time because levels can change very rapidly as the system evolves.
High VS Low Sulphidation Epithermal Systems GeologyUpSkill 2024-09-10 | High and low sulphidation epithermal systems usually occur in different tectonic settings, but there are exceptions!This is the edited highlights version for youtube.The full video is part of my Fieldcraft for Geologists course here:geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
How Bladed Carbonate Texture Forms GeologyUpSkill 2024-09-07 | Bladed carbonate replacement texture is one of the most distinctive characteristics of low sulphidation epithermal quartz veins, but how does it form?
Barite In High Sulphidation Epithermals GeologyUpSkill 2024-08-30 | Barite is a really useful indicator of the mineralized parts of high sulphidation epithermal systems.
Vuggy Silica GeologyUpSkill 2024-08-28 | Vuggy silica is a great indicator of the all important feeder structures in high sulphidation epithermal systems, but it's not easy to tell the real thing from the imposters on a weathered surface.
Tuffisite Dyke GeologyUpSkill 2024-07-31 | Tuffisites are great indicators of very active hydrothermal systems.
Breccia VS Dyke GeologyUpSkill 2024-07-29 | When a dyke cuts another rock-type you get an important piece of the geological timing puzzle. Breccias give you another piece for each fragment you can recognize. Just occasionally, you get the whole puzzle box in one outcrop!
Breccias and Boxworks GeologyUpSkill 2024-07-26 | Breccias are good. Boxworks are good. When you combine the two, magic happens!
Finding Feeder Structures GeologyUpSkill 2024-06-27 | Feeder structures contain the ore in most high sulphidation epithermal systems. Rule 14 will help you find them.
Not Just Sand GeologyUpSkill 2024-06-17 | When there isn't much outcrop, you can sometimes find some useful clues in the sand between your toes.
Not Silica! GeologyUpSkill 2024-06-10 | Hard white rocks are often labelled as silicified, but silica isn't always the culprit.
Consulting Geo Ep.5 Managing Money GeologyUpSkill 2024-06-07 | In this final episode we take a look at how to stay sane while you manage the rollercoaster cashflow that is part of life for independent consultants in the geoscience industry.The full series is available to subscribers of my paid course here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Consulting Geo Ep.4 Getting Paid GeologyUpSkill 2024-06-03 | In this episode we take a look at how to make sure youe invoices get paid in a timely manner, and what to do when your client is reluctant to pay.The full series is available to subscribers of my paid course here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Consulting Geo Ep.3 Finding Clients GeologyUpSkill 2024-05-31 | In this episode we take a look at how to find your first client when you set out on your own in the geoscience industry.The full series is available to subscribers of my paid course here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Consulting Geo Ep.2 Business Setup GeologyUpSkill 2024-05-30 | In this episode we take a look at setting yourself up as a business so you can operate as an independent consultant in the world of geoscience.The full series is available to subscribers of my paid course here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Consulting Geo Ep.1 When to Jump GeologyUpSkill 2024-05-28 | If you are a geoscientist considering a move from employee to a consultant role, the first question is when to make the jump. Doreen Mikitiuk is a consulting geologist who made that move successfully in mid career. In this interview we explore how her career evolved, why she decided to become independednt and some of the barriers she faced in the transition.This video is the first in a 5 part series on the realities of working for yourself in the rollercoaster world of geoscience consulting.The full series is available to subscribers of my paid course here: geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Egyptian Gold and Copper at Wadi Dara GeologyUpSkill 2024-03-12 | Wadi Dara has been a source of gold and copper for Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs.The geology of the system doesn't fit well with any of the classical large scale Au-Cu deposit models, but it has some excellent evidence of magmatic input.Many thanks to Ankh Resources for my opportunity to work on this interesting project and their permission to make this video public. Ankh's comittment to educating young geologists is evident in the enthisiasm of their staff to learn and apply new knowledge while we were working together in the field.0:00 Egyptian gold0:20 Egyptian copper0:48 Egyptian maience1:11 Wadi Dara1:47 Pharaohs miners3:00 Roman miners3:24 Copper miners3:59 No alluvial miners5:08 Exotic copper5:48 Geology of Wadi Dara6:41 Intrusive compositions7:10 Cover sequence7:38 Mineralized veins8:58 Alteration9:57 Deposit models10:29 Microgranite porphyry10:53 Miarolitic cavities12:19 Feldspathic veins13:23 Aplite magnetite veins13:59 Winu comparison14:45 Future
La Brea Tar Pit Fossils GeologyUpSkill 2024-02-03 | The La Brea tar pits contain one of the most important fossil discoveries ever made and they're just outside the city centre of Los Angeles California.If you are interested in the climate implications of those fossils, take a look at the full length video on my new climate issues channel youtu.be/B4awlqXpnOI
Geologists See Climate Change Differently GeologyUpSkill 2024-01-04 | This place explains why geologists see the climate change from a different perspective.If you are interested in a perspective a little closer to the modern day, take a look at this video on my new climate issues channel youtu.be/B4awlqXpnOI
Crossing Fences GeologyUpSkill 2023-12-27 | A few tips to improve your chances of getting back to camp in one piece when the gates are few and far between.
Jasperoid Jigsaw GeologyUpSkill 2023-12-24 | I found a vein with some jasperoid gossan that put a critical piece in a jigsaw puzzle that I had been trying to solve.
Golden Rules of Mineral Exploration. Spanish Translation GeologyUpSkill 2023-11-22 | Esta es una versión en español de uno de mis videos más populares generado con algunas herramientas de transcripción y traducción de IA. Youtube ha prometido durante un año o más ofrecer voces de IA generadas automáticamente en otros idiomas. Lo han probado en algunos canales famosos de Youtube (por ejemplo, Mr Beast), pero todavía no ha llegado a la gente pequeña, así que lo hice yo mismo para ver cuánto esfuerzo implicaba y hay mucho, incluso con IA. herramientas para realizar la transcripción, traducción y generación de voz.Todavía estoy trabajando en una versión en español de la serie completa de videos de las 20 reglas de oro. Pondré un enlace aquí cuando esté completo.This is a Spanish language version of one of my more popular videos generated using some AI transcription and translation tools. Youtube has been promising for a year or more to offer auto-generated AI voices in other languages. They have tested it on some famous Youtube channels (eg Mr Beast), but it still hasn't trickled down to the little people yet so I made this one myself to see how much effort was involed and there is a lot, even with AI tools to do the transcription translation and voice generation.I'm still working on a Spanish version of the full 20 golden rules video series. I will put a link here when it is complete.
Mystery Mineral GeologyUpSkill 2023-11-14 | I tracked down a mystery mineral that I collected from the Zaaiplaats tin mine over 40 years ago using some basic text book mineral tests.
Epithermal Quartz Textures GeologyUpSkill 2023-10-24 | Today's outcrop of the day has some beautiful examples of epithermal textures and an unexpected bonus on top.
Copper Indicator Plants GeologyUpSkill 2023-10-04 | There are several plants in northern Australia that can help you to find, identify and map copper mineralization.For more detail on how to identify those plants, you can see the full version of this video on the fieldcraft for Geologists course here:geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologistsYou can also download the free poster by Dr Richard Lilly here:drive.google.com/file/d/1Sjjd3dq4Gx3nbJcqUKO5FleyyP6t0e-s/view?usp=sharing0:00 How plants can help01:18 Copper Grass (Eriachne mucronata)02:53 Imposter plants03:32 Little Copper Grass (Bulbostylis barbata)06:37 Tall Fringe Grass (Fimbristylis dichotoma)07:10 Little Copper Bush (Polycarpaea spirostylis)07:24 Copper Bush (Polycarpaea spirostylis ssp. glabra)10:36 Exceptions
Turpentine Bush GeologyUpSkill 2023-09-29 | Turpentine bush is one of the not so fun parts of working in northern Australia. Here's how to recognize it and why it's not a good idea to ignore it.
Jasperoid Gossan GeologyUpSkill 2023-09-15 | If it's round, brown and made of jasperoid silica, Bag it!
Slot Stopes GeologyUpSkill 2023-09-08 | Slot stopes are a gift from historical miners that can help you unravel the structural controls of an ore system even when all of the veins have been mined away.
Crusty Creek GeologyUpSkill 2023-09-05 | When I come across a creek with orange water and crusty white crystals growing around the edges, I get a bit excited!
Epithermal Tin System GeologyUpSkill 2023-09-01 | The idea of an epithermal tin system seemed pretty far fetched until I took a look at the old mine dump.
Perfect Alteration Indicator Porphyry GeologyUpSkill 2023-08-27 | Porphyritic rocks can be great indicators of the intensity of alteration in a hydrothermal system and several other useful things if they have the right set of minerals. I found one with all the right stuff.The numbering system that I use in this video is for intensity of hydrothermal alteration. In short it is:0: No visible changes.1. Partial replacement of one mineral.2. Complete selective replacement of one mineral.3. Partial replacement of all minerals.4. complete replacement with texture preserved.5. Original texture destroyed by alteration.I'm slowly collecting video examples for each of the levels to make a comprehensive video guide for the system and this example added some good material for the future video.
Ultimate Geopick v2.0 GeologyUpSkill 2023-08-07 | After a year in the field, I decided to upgrade my ultimate geopick head and handle combination.
Snakes And How to Avoid Them GeologyUpSkill 2023-08-01 | If you are a field geologist, you are going to meet the occasional snake. Here is how not to get up close and personal with them. This is part of the FieldCraft for Geologists video training series. The full video is available here:geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
Refolded fold GeologyUpSkill 2023-07-10 | I found a big float boulder that beautifully illustrates a rare type of refolded fold.
Vein Sediments GeologyUpSkill 2023-06-01 | Sediments are actually quite common in epithermal quartz veins, and they can be surprisingly useful when you know what to look for.The full version of this video and all the others in the Fieldcraft series is here:geologyupskill.thinkific.com/courses/fieldcraft-for-geologists
