George Beatty was considered typical because:

Many prospectors did not strike it rich serves as the correct choice because it reflects the broader reality of mining during that era in New Mexico. The dream of finding gold or silver attracted countless individuals, yet the majority of them faced significant hardships and often did not achieve the financial success they hoped for. This scenario encapsulates the experiences of many individuals in mining, making George Beatty's situation typical.

While some individuals might have experienced sudden wealth, such as those who struck it rich quickly, this was far less common. The narrative of the mining boom often glorifies the success stories, but the truth reflects that persistence and hard work didn't always lead to fortune for most prospectors. Beatty’s experience symbolizes the reality that mining was not a guaranteed path to wealth, highlighting the struggles and disappointments faced by many prospectors during this period.