Angels Camp in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Gold Furnace
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 17, 2012
1. Gold Furnace Marker
A gold furnace was commonly used to separate mercury from the gold. In gold placer mining, in which small specks and veins of gold were often found in quartz, mercury was used to separate the gold from the quartz. This bonding of the mercury and gold is known as amalgam. After processing in the mill and concentrators, the recovered amalgam of mercury and gold was heated to vaporize the mercury and recover the gold. In a small furnace like this, it would take about seven hours for the mercury to vaporize and be recovered, leaving the gold ready to pour into bricks or other forms as desired.Erected by Angels Camp Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources.
Location. 38° 4.577′ N, 120° 32.83′ W. Marker is in Angels Camp, California, in Calaveras County. Marker can be reached from South Main Street/Golden Chain Highway (State Highway 49). The marker is located on the rear display grounds of the Angels Camp Museum. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Whim (here, next to this marker); The Monitor (here, next to this marker); Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); Hogarth Stamp Mill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Hogarth Stamp Mill (a few steps from this marker); The Hogarth Family (a few steps from this marker); Just Jenny (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp 9 Powerhouse Pelton Wheel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angels Camp.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 17, 2012
2. The Gold Furnace and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 611 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
