Hot Rocks in the World of Metal Detectors
False tones are often associated with high-ground mineralization, but that isn’t always the case. Some other factors are also involved in the production of false tones, and hot rocks are one of them.
Hot rocks disrupt the electromagnetic field of the metal detector, due to which the detector mistakes them for metallic items.
We’ll introduce you to different types of hot rocks and give you tips on dealing with them when using metal detectors. Let’s learn about the significance of hot rocks in the world of metal detectors.
Explaining Hot Rocks in Metal Detection
What are hot rocks?
Hot rocks are rocks and stones that do not contain any precious metals, such as gold or silver. However, they produce a signal on a metal detector when encountered.
Types of hot rocks in the World of Metal Detectors
There are two main categories of hot rocks:
- Positive hot rocks
- Negative hot rocks
Negative hot rocks
Negative hot rocks are rocks that contain magnetite in various shapes and sizes, similar to how nuggets vary in size. These rocks contain a high amount of conductive material.
Due to the presence of magnetite, negative hot rocks exhibit a dark appearance. They demonstrate ferromagnetic behavior, responding to magnetism. They are generally heavier rocks that can turn orange due to rusting.
Positive hot rocks
Positive hot rocks are rocks that contain iron, and they take a long time to become positive hot rocks as they continuously oxidize over time.
These rocks contain a higher quantity of non-conductive materials compared to conductive ones. Metal detectors can sometimes confuse positive hot rocks with non-ferrous items such as gold, copper, etc.
Positive hot rocks are formed after experiencing intense temperature and pressure. They are usually smaller in size and found on the upper surfaces of the earth.
Positive hot rocks have a higher quantity of Maghemite. Their highly oxidized form results in a reddish color, although they can also appear in black-brown and yellow colors.
Major differences between positive hot rocks and negative hot rocks
Positive hot rocks are different from negative ones because they aren’t strongly magnetic or affected by magnets.
In addition, positive hot rocks respond like nonferrous metals, such as gold and silver. Thus, making it more challenging for detectorists to identify gold nuggets accurately.
To learn more about the best metal detector for gold nuggets, read this article.
Through experience and practice, you will be able to differentiate the signals of positive hot rocks and negative hot rocks.
For negative hot rocks, there is no need for digging, as you can reject them by considering them as non-precious ferrous metals, like iron.
It’s much easier to tell negative rocks apart because they make a different sound than real gold.
However, in the case of positive hot rocks, you have to excavate the area to confirm their presence. That’s why these rocks require more time and effort for the user.
What do hot rocks indicate?
Based on our experience, the presence of hot rocks in a particular area indicates the existence of precious metals, such as gold nuggets.
We recommend carefully scanning such areas. Although it may take time and effort, it can lead you to valuable metals or gold nuggets.
What to do when encountering hot rocks
Here are some useful tricks for dealing with hot rocks:
- Decrease the gain or sensitivity of the device.
- Scan the areas carefully.
- Listen carefully for negative hot rocks
If you’re into metal detecting, you probably already know how frustrating false tones can be. But did you know that knowing your metal detector’s false tone settings can help you avoid them?
Negative hot rocks exhibit a specific pattern. Their signal does not remain constant but constantly moves from one place to another.
For example, if you swing the device left and right, the detector might respond in one attempt but remain completely silent in the next attempt.
If you encounter such suspicious behavior and inconsistent signals, it is an indicator of a hot rock.
In such cases, you can avoid digging. The audio response is less definite than that of an actual metal object, and if you check the device screen, no signals will be displayed.
Decrease the gain or sensitivity of the device
The sensitivity of the device is directly related to the depth of the signal. Higher sensitivity results in greater signal penetration underground.
If you are facing too many hot rocks, simply decrease the sensitivity of your device. This technique will make your device more stable and reduce the noise caused by deep, hot rocks.
To achieve the best results in areas with hot rocks, read this article on metal detector sensitivity settings.
Scan the areas carefully
Although these areas may pose a challenge, you must patiently and cautiously scan them. Because the presence of hot rocks increases the chances of hidden gold nuggets.
Thoroughly scan the chunks in the area and verify any suspicious audio signals. Your chances of success are significantly higher in such regions.
Conclusion
Hot Rocks in Metal Detectors World In summary, hot rocks disrupt the electromagnetic field of metal detectors but do not contain valuable metals.
It’s easier to tell the difference between negative and positive hot rocks. Negative hot rocks are easier to recognize.
However, the existence of hot rocks can be a fortunate sign because these areas may conceal gold nuggets beneath them.
We have covered some helpful tricks to help you distinguish between hot rocks and actual target objects. Although it may take time, with experience, you will eventually learn.
We strongly advise you to always search such areas, as you never know what valuable things are waiting to be uncovered.
