DCHP-1 Online
colo(u)r 
1 n. evidence of gold; traces of gold.
- 1859 We learn . . . that there have been about 20 men prospecting in the locality, and that they have succeeded in obtaining "the color" of the precious metal.
- 1880 Should this "colour" be plentiful, it may lead to further exploring, and perhaps to successful mining.
- 1963 There was colour to be found in all the little creeks on his trap line. . . .
2 n. a minute speck of gold.
See also: fine gold
- 1864 (1962) But ne'er a color can they see, / Until they saut it first a wee. . . .
- 1910 Ruefully he turns his poke inside out--not a "colour."
- 1960 They had panned one or two colors and they wanted to get down to bedrock to see if she would pay, so they set to sinking a shaft.
- 1859 We learn . . . that there have been about 20 men prospecting in the locality, and that they have succeeded in obtaining "the color" of the precious metal.