Pocking

Pocking is a term primarily used in the context of mineral extraction and processing, specifically referring to the act of selectively removing or extracting individual pieces of ore or mineral from a larger deposit or source rock. This contrasts with broader mining methods that involve the bulk removal of material.

Pocking can involve hand-picking valuable minerals or using simple tools to dislodge them. It's typically employed when the desired mineral is present in relatively low concentrations or irregularly distributed within the surrounding rock. The selective nature of pocking aims to recover the valuable mineral while minimizing the extraction of unwanted materials, also known as gangue.

The practice is often associated with artisanal or small-scale mining operations, where resource limitations may necessitate a more targeted and efficient extraction method. Pocking is also used by mineral collectors and hobbyists seeking specific specimens. It can be labor-intensive but effective in concentrating valuable minerals, especially in situations where sophisticated processing techniques are unavailable or uneconomical. The extracted material may require further processing, such as crushing, grinding, or separation, to isolate the target mineral fully.