As a geologist with expertise in mineralogy and the extraction of precious metals, I can tell you that the rarity of finding gold varies significantly depending on the geological context and the methods of extraction. Gold is a relatively rare element in the Earth's crust, with an average concentration of about 0.005 parts per million (ppm). However, it is often found in higher concentrations in certain geological formations, such as within veins in metamorphic rocks, or associated with hydrothermal deposits.

The process of finding gold typically involves exploration, which can be a lengthy and expensive endeavor. Geologists use various techniques, including geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys, to identify areas with the potential for gold deposits. Once a potential site is identified, further exploration and drilling are conducted to confirm the presence of gold and to estimate its quantity and quality.

Gold mining can be done through various methods, including open-pit mining, underground mining, and placer mining (which involves searching for gold in riverbeds and other water bodies). The rarity of finding gold is also influenced by the technological advancements in mining and extraction processes, which have made it possible to find and process gold deposits that were previously considered uneconomical.

In summary, while gold is a rare element in the Earth's crust, it can be found in higher concentrations in specific geological settings. The rarity of finding gold is also affected by the costs and technologies associated with exploration and extraction.

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Gold owes its status as a precious metal to its rarity: all the gold mined throughout history would fit into a square box with sides of around 20m in length. ... Gold is rare throughout the Universe because it's a relatively hefty atom, consisting of 79 protons and 118 neutrons.read more >>