Gold veins are natural formations found in the earth's crust where gold is concentrated within rock. These veins are typically created through geological processes, such as the movement of hot fluids that carry dissolved gold and deposit it in cracks and fissures of surrounding rocks. The result is a narrow, elongated deposit of gold that can be mined. Mining for gold veins often involves extracting ore from the surrounding rock, which is then processed to separate the gold. This process can be labor-intensive and requires specialized equipment. Gold veins are often found in areas with a history of volcanic activity or tectonic movement, making them valuable targets for geologists and miners.