I notice in many comments here, there seems to be an assumption that most alluvial gold came from downstream of Beechworth (Reedy Creek, Woolshed Creek, Eldorado). However, most alluvial gold from Beechworth came from Beechworth town area and farther upstream to the south and southeast of Beechworth (eg 3 mile and towards Stanley), where millions of ounces of gold were produced. The lesser amount from downstream was derived from quartz reefs south of Beechworth and then transported downstream- although significant it was much finer-grained gold that was simply transported downstream far below its source. This drainage system picked up tin from the granite it was passing over, which helped keep the alluvial gold deposits economic as far downstream as Eldorado because of the by-product tin. Gemstones of the area were only partly derived from either area, many (including diamonds) were transported into the gold-bearing drainages from Permian glacial rocks farther to the east.
