geochemical prospecting

Geochemical prospecting is a method used in the search for mineral deposits. It involves the systematic measurement of trace elements or chemically influenced properties in various samples, such as soils, water, rocks, and vegetation. The goal is to identify anomalies, which are unusual concentrations of these elements that differ from what would normally be expected in a particular location.1

This technique is part of a broader field called prospecting, which is the search for economically exploitable mineral deposits. While traditional prospecting relied on direct observation of mineralization, modern methods like geochemical prospecting use scientific tools to narrow down search areas. Portable chemical kits can also be used for rapid testing of metallic elements in surface waters.213