A gold pan is a tool used to separate gold particles from mixed materials such as river sand and soil, operating primarily on the principle of gravity‑based separation. Below is a detailed overview:

• Material: Common options include plastic and metal. Plastic gold pans are lightweight, easy to carry, and relatively inexpensive; metal gold pans, on the other hand, are more robust and durable, though they are heavier and come at a higher price.

• Structural Design: Gold pans typically have diameters ranging from 30 to 50 centimeters. The bottom of the pan features concentric ridges or stepped grooves, while the edges are often designed with a wavy or folded‑edge configuration. These design elements leverage fluid dynamics to effectively separate heavy minerals, significantly enhancing the efficiency and precision of the separation process.