Written by the Treasureguide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
![]() |
SeaSearcher Sonar Platform. YouTube clip. See link below. |
Yesterday I gave a lot of information on the Green Cabin wreck. Today I'll mention the Melbourne wreck, which is approximately fourteen miles north of the Sebastian Inlet. The company associated with that wreck is Seafarer Exploration Corporation. Since I've previously posted information on that wreck, I won't repeat it, but here is a great link that will give you the information including the important diagnostic finds. Here is the link: Dr.-Robert-Baer-Melbourne-Beach.pdf
Seafarer, which is a publicly traded company, has developed some very fascinating technologies for treasure hunting. First is the SeaSearcher, which is a sonar platform. It is towed or driven about three feet above the surface and will detect six feet or so below the surface.
Above is a picture of the platform, and below are a couple pictures of the display.
The displays help to identify interesting metallic targets and give something of the shape, as shown below. It differentiates metals and provides 3-D high resolution sub-bottom imaging. It allows determination of the size, depth and hardness of buried targets.
If you are interested in that, here are links for a couple YouTube videos that explain more.
![]() |
SeaScan 3000. Youtube clip. See link below. |
South American goldsmithing techniques are distinguished by their exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance. Ancient artisans employed methods such as annealing, where gold was heated to increase malleability, enabling intricate designs. They also used repoussé and chasing techniques to create detailed reliefs, adding depth and complexity to their artifacts.
Granulation was particularly prominent, involving the fusion of tiny gold beads onto a surface to produce elaborate patterns. This labor-intensive process required precise control and skill. Additionally, filigree work—delicate, intertwined gold wires—became a hallmark of South American gold artifacts, showcasing both artistry and technical mastery.
In some regions, artisans utilized repoussé and soldering to combine various gold elements seamlessly, resulting in smooth and refined surfaces. Unique artistic styles emerged because of regional variations in techniques, reflecting distinct cultural identities. These craftsmanship methods collectively contributed to the creation of some of the most sophisticated ancient gold artifacts in South America...
How much gold is in a cell phone?
A typical cell phone contains about 0.034 grams of gold, primarily in circuit boards, connectors, and contacts due to gold's excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. This amount can vary slightly depending on the phone's make and model. For context, this is roughly worth $2-$3 at current gold prices (around $80 per gram as of mid-2025). Older phones or budget models may have less, while high-end devices might have slightly more.
---