A "gold rush" refers to a period when a large number of people move to a specific area in search of gold or other valuable minerals. This often occurs after the discovery of gold in a particular location, leading to a surge of prospectors and miners hoping to strike it rich. Famous examples include the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. During a gold rush, towns and communities can rapidly develop, often leading to economic booms. However, these events can also result in environmental damage and conflicts over land and resources. As the gold supply diminishes, many prospectors leave, leading to the decline of these once-thriving areas.