1.)  Preparation or classification
2.)  Stratification
3.)  Washing
4.)  More stratification
5.)  Cleaning
6.)  Inspection and removal

(In reality steps 2 and 3 are done repetitiously until only heavy material remains in the pan i.e. gold, black sand, garnets, etc.)

(In reality steps 4 and 5 are done repetitiously until only gold and about a teaspoon or tablespoon of material remains in the pan)