This study aims to determine signatures in placer gold that indicate hypogene and supergene mineralization processes using trace element analysis via LA-ICP-MS. Samples from several placer deposits were analyzed for major and trace elements. Results show that hypogene gold retains distinct trace element signatures, while supergene gold precipitated by bacterial biofilms does not. Specifically at Prophet Mine, Australia, supergene gold rims on grains do not have clear signatures, likely due to heterogeneous inclusions, but tend to have lower base metals and higher chalcophile elements than hypogene cores. Trace elements like Fe, Se, Sb, Te, Pt, and Hg best differentiate sample populations and signatures.