The invention is a portable prospecting and classifying self-contained apparatus having a bucket, a supporting classifier screen and a supported classifier screen setting freely within the bucket, having a bucket handle and a bucket lid closing securely over the bucket. The supported classifier screen has a screen mesh and a screen handle, allowing the user to lift the supported classifier screen from the bucket. The supporting classifier screen has a screen mesh which may be of a finer mesh than the supported screen mesh and a supporting classifier frame. A prospector uses the portable prospecting and classifying self-contained apparatus invention by scooping or pouring mineral material into the bucket with an earth digging scoop or gold pan. The supported classifier screen and the supporting classifier screen are adapted to classify and separate mineral material from coarse to finer grain material when poured into the bucket.