What occurs naturally and can be panned from a stream bed?

Gold occurs naturally and can be panned from a stream bed. This precious metal often settles in riverbeds and streams due to its high density, allowing it to accumulate in areas where the water slows down, such as behind rocks or in gravel bars. Prospectors use a technique called panning, which involves washing sediment in a shallow pan to separate gold from lighter materials. Other minerals, like gemstones or certain types of quartz, can also be found in streams but gold is the most commonly sought after.