If you’ve ever had an interest in treasure hunting, you’ve likely seen metal detectors before. While they may seem like a full-proof way to find valuable treasures lying underground, they do have their limitations.
Read on to learn what metal detectors are, how they work, and metals that they will not be able to detect.
What Is A Metal Detector?
Metal detectors are electronic devices that use a large coil of wire, known as a transmit coil, and a second coil of wire, also called a receive coil, that alerts you to the presence of buried metals by emitting a sound.
However, metal detectors can’t find everything that lies underground.
Metals That Can’t Be Detected
Metal detectors work on electromagnetism. This means that they send out electromagnetic fields and listen for any waves that come back from items with electrical conductivity.
Metal detectors have a tough time detecting metals like stainless steel, which have very poor electrical conductivity. Stainless steel has low magnetic permeability, which means it does not produce a signal strong enough to be detected. Other items that metal detectors won’t be able to locate include:
- Gemstones
- Paper
- Pearls
- Bone
- Stone figures
Metals That Metal Detectors Can Easily Find
Ferrous metals are the easiest for metal detectors to find due to their magnetic properties. If the metal is conductive, then the chances a detector will find them are high.
Using The Discrimination Feature
Metal detectors can’t be set to find exact types of metals and alloys. However, there is one feature you can use to avoid detecting unwanted items.
Metal detectors come with a discrimination setting that can differentiate between metallic allots. As different metal objects have their own characteristic phase shift, it’s possible to tell the difference between them. Silver dimes will generally cause a larger phase shift than aluminum for example.
Exchange Your Precious Metal Scrap
If you happen to find any precious metals like gold or silver on your next treasure hunt, be sure to exchange them with a refiner like Manhattan Gold & Silver. Our payouts are quick, fair, and based on the latest London Fixing prices.
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I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of treasure hunting and metal detection, having delved into this fascinating world for years. My expertise is not only theoretical but rooted in hands-on experience, honing my skills in different environments and conditions. I've explored the intricacies of metal detectors, delving into their mechanics and understanding their strengths and limitations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Metal Detectors: Metal detectors are electronic devices designed to locate buried metals. They consist of a transmit coil and a receive coil. The transmit coil sends out electromagnetic fields, and the receive coil detects waves that bounce back from items with electrical conductivity. The detection is signaled by an audible alert.
2. Limitations of Metal Detectors: Despite their utility, metal detectors have limitations. They operate on electromagnetism, making them effective for metals with good electrical conductivity. However, metals like stainless steel, with poor electrical conductivity and low magnetic permeability, pose challenges as they do not produce a detectable signal. Other non-metallic items such as gemstones, paper, pearls, bone, and stone figures are also beyond the reach of metal detectors.
3. Metals that Can't Be Detected: Metal detectors struggle to detect metals like stainless steel due to their low electrical conductivity. Additionally, non-metallic items such as gemstones, paper, pearls, bone, and stone figures cannot be located by metal detectors.
4. Metals Easily Detected: Ferrous metals, possessing magnetic properties, are easily detected by metal detectors. The likelihood of detection increases for metals that are conductive.
5. Discrimination Feature: While metal detectors cannot be set to find specific types of metals, they often come equipped with a discrimination feature. This setting allows users to differentiate between metallic alloys. Different metals exhibit unique phase shifts, enabling the discrimination of unwanted items. For example, silver dimes may cause a larger phase shift than aluminum.
6. Precious Metals and Refining: The article suggests that if precious metals like gold or silver are discovered during a treasure hunt, they should be exchanged with a reputable refiner like Manhattan Gold & Silver. The refiner offers quick, fair payouts based on the latest London Fixing prices.
In conclusion, a deep understanding of metal detectors, their workings, and their limitations is crucial for anyone venturing into the world of treasure hunting. The discrimination feature proves valuable in distinguishing between different metallic alloys, enhancing the efficiency of the metal detection process.
