We got a small foundry to "drip" some brass into water, which created small,
very golden-looking globules which were pannable and sluicable.  The color
wasn't right, and the shapes weren't either, but kids got a charge out of
the deception.

In later years I opted for using real gold. One can buy real, sized placer
gold and distribute it evenly in sand, one or two grains per bag.  This
creates a much more realistic experience, but is also more labor intensive.
The cost of the gold isn't really that much.  An once goes a long way!
Joe Nagel (KUSTOS Inc.)
2961 Semiahmoo Trail
Surrey, B.C.  V4P 1H4
604-531-6879, 604-594-2628 (FAX)