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Australia has some of the world's oldest rocks and minerals, as well as a wide variety of gemstones. Western Australia, in particular, is known for its diamonds, which were first discovered in the Kimberley region. This has since become one of the state's major industries. Other gemstones found in Western Australia include tourmaline, malachite, azurite, pyrites, sapphire, ruby, emerald, garnet, topaz, and jade. If you're interested in finding gemstones in Western Australia, a good place to start is the beaches around Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, where you can find metamorphic rocks with garnet crystals. Another spot worth checking out is Bunbury Back Beach, which has an outcrop of the Bunbury Basalt. Additionally, the Newry Station, 750km southwest of Darwin, is one of the only two places in the world where zebra rock, or Kimberley siltstone, has been found.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gemstones found in Western Australia | Diamonds, sapphires, opals, emeralds, rubies, garnets, topaz, jade, tourmaline, malachite, azurite, pyrites, moss agate, zebra rock |
| Tools required | Geological hammer, eye protection |
| Techniques | Smashing rocks with a hammer to reveal the inside |
| Locations | Kimberley region, Ravensthorpe, Kalbarri, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Leeuwin, Bunbury Back Beach, Newry Station |
| Online resources | mindat.org, WA Museum site, Curtin University research, GeoVIEW.WA, Mineral Titles Online (MTO), Mineral exploration reports (WAMEX), TENGRAPH |
| Offline resources | Mineral Resources Bulletin 25 Gemstones of Western Australia, Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) |
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What You'll Learn
Gemstones in Western Australia's Kimberley region
Western Australia is known for its wide variety of gemstones. The Kimberley region, in particular, is home to the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is believed to be the largest producer of diamonds in the world. The Argyle mine is also the source of nearly the entire global supply of pink diamonds.
The discovery of diamonds in the Kimberley region has led to the development of mining and processing, making it one of the state's major industries. Aside from diamonds, the Kimberley region also produces other precious gemstones, including sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
In addition to precious gemstones, the Kimberley region also offers a variety of semi-precious gemstones used in jewellery and ornaments. These include opal, jade, pearls, and mookaite, which is unique to Western Australia. Agate, zircon, and chrysoprase are also found in small quantities in the region.
For those interested in fossicking for gemstones in the Kimberley region, it is worth noting that diamonds are typically found in volcanic rocks known as "kimberlite," named after the city of Kimberley in South Africa. The Argyle Diamond Mine, however, derives its diamonds from lamproite, a host rock that forms vertical pipe-like structures called diatremes.
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Fossicking for gemstones near Perth
Fossicking for gemstones in Western Australia is a unique experience, especially in the lower half of the state. While gold is the primary target for most prospectors, there are several locations near Perth where you can find gems and minerals.
One good place to start is by joining a club, such as the WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club, which organises field visits and can provide valuable learning opportunities for beginners.
If you're looking for a day trip, consider heading north to the salt lakes, where you can find gems while walking towards the sun. The Harvey Dam, which reportedly had gold in its core samples, could be another interesting site to explore, although it is now underwater.
For rock hunting, creek beds and river banks within a couple of hours' drive from Perth are worth considering. Rocky river beds, in particular, can yield beautiful stones, as some prospectors have found at Bells Rapids. Beach areas around Perth and on Rottnest also offer limestone outcrops where you can search for fossils, although these are usually limited to small shells.
Additionally, some old mining areas near Kalbarri can provide interesting samples of lead and different forms of copper. However, it's important to note that popular fossicking spots can become engulfed by expanding mines, as has been the case with some tourmaline sites.
Lastly, while heading south from Perth, you may encounter challenges due to the land being covered with sediment. In this case, your best bet is to head to the coast, where exposed rock is more prevalent. Bunbury Back Beach features an outcrop of Bunbury Basalt that is chemically distinct from the Kerguelen Large Igneous Province.
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Rock hunting on Western Australia's south coast
One popular destination for rock hunting is Bunbury Back Beach, which features an outcrop of Bunbury Basalt. This basalt formation is believed to have formed during the rift sequence when India separated from Australia in the Cretaceous period. However, recent research suggests that the Bunbury Basalt may be chemically distinct and not part of the Kerguelen Large Igneous Province. The beaches around Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin also offer a plethora of metamorphic rocks from the Leeuwin Complex. These rocks are approximately 400 million years old and were formed through the collision of landmasses that created Gondwana.
Another rock hunting location is Ravensthorpe, where watermelon tourmaline, a variety of tourmaline coloured red and green, can be found. While some old mining sites in the area have been engulfed by lithium mines, there are still abandoned mines that yield samples of malachite, azurite, and pyrites. Additionally, rocky riverbeds, such as Bells Rapids, can be excellent spots to find beautiful stones.
For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, the art trail "Understory" in Northcliffe offers a unique opportunity to view world-class outdoor sculptures while exploring the natural surroundings. The Walpole Wilderness area is another ecologically significant destination, with over 363,000 hectares of national parks and nature reserves to discover. Windy Harbour, nestled at the base of large cliffs, provides a protected area along the rugged coastline.
Western Australia's south coast offers a diverse range of rock hunting opportunities, from ancient rocks to unique mineral formations. Whether you're exploring the coastline, visiting old mining sites, or enjoying the region's natural beauty, you're sure to have a memorable rock hunting experience.
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Zebra rock in Newry Station
Zebra rock, also known as Kimberley siltstone, is famous for its unique striped and spotted patterns. This reddish-brown and white-banded sedimentary rock is composed of small particles of quartz and sericite (fine-grained white mica). It also contains the minerals kaolinite, dickite, and alunite. The stone's colour banding is likely formed by the rhythmic precipitation of iron oxide (hematite) during the alteration of the rock by percolating fluids.
The Zebra Rock mine is located in the Victoria-Daly Region of the Northern Territory, Australia. Technically, it is in the Northern Territory, but it is included with other zebra rock deposits in Western Australia. The site is 70 kilometres east of Kununurra, 5 kilometres along the Duncan Road south of the Victoria Highway, and 5 kilometres along a station road west of Duncan Road. The mine is about 70 kilometres from the Western Australian border.
The Zebra Rock mine was established in 2011 after the discovery of a new zebra rock deposit on Newry Station. Newry Station is a 2,500-square-kilometre pastoral lease that was first established in 1886 by Patrick Durack, who built a homestead on the banks of the Keep River and introduced cattle to the area. The zebra rock deposit is located within a 400-hectare site on the property known as the Newry Station Gouldian Finch site, which is listed on Australia's Register of the National Estate.
In late 2019, the NT Government closed the Zebra Rock mine to tourism, mineral collecting, and fossicking. However, it is still possible to obtain permission to visit the site for these purposes by contacting the title holder and the pastoralist. The site used to offer campground facilities, safari tents, fishing trips, and wetland wildlife tours, especially appealing to bird watchers, as well as mine tours and four-wheel-drive tours.
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Diamonds and other gemstones in Western Australia
Western Australia is known for its wide variety of gemstones. The state is home to some of the world's most valuable gemstones, including diamonds, opals, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, garnets, and jade.
Diamonds were first discovered in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and the mining and processing of these precious gems have since become one of the state's major industries. The Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia is particularly known for its pink and champagne-coloured diamonds, which are highly valued due to their rarity.
Other notable gemstones found in Western Australia include rhodonite, lepidolite mica, amethyst quartz crystal, emerald, opal, agate, chalcedony, organic gems, tiger eye jasper, aragonite, cordierite, black jade, and mookaite.
For those interested in fossicking (recreational gemstone fossicking) for gemstones in Western Australia, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to have the appropriate licences and permissions in place. Secondly, it is important to do your research and identify potential fossicking spots. Online resources such as interactive geological maps and mineral exploration reports can be extremely helpful in this regard. Finally, joining a rock hunting club or seeking advice from experienced fossickers can provide valuable insights and increase your chances of success.
Western Australia offers a plethora of opportunities for gemstone enthusiasts, from exploring old mining areas to discovering hidden gems in the great outdoors. With its diverse geological landscape, the state continues to attract both amateur and experienced gemstone seekers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia contains a plethora of gemstones, decorative stones, and ornamental stones used for sculptural purposes. Some of the gemstones found in Western Australia include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, garnets, topaz, jade, malachite, azurite, pyrites, tourmaline, and opals.
There are several places in Western Australia where you can fossick for gemstones. Some popular spots include old lead mining areas near Kalbarri, Ravensthorpe, and the south coast. You can also try your luck at abandoned mines, creek beds, and river banks. If you're heading down south, Bunbury Back Beach is a good spot to find the Bunbury Basalt outcrop. The beaches around Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin also have outcrops of metamorphic rocks with garnet crystals.
Basic equipment for gemstone hunting includes a geological hammer for breaking open rocks and eye protection. You may also find a geological map useful for locating mining areas and mineral deposits.
Fossicking for anything other than gold in Western Australia is rare and not commonly discussed. While there may not be specific licenses mentioned, it is important to respect private property and obtain permission where necessary. Additionally, some areas may have environmental regulations in place, so it is essential to check with local authorities before heading out.
Gemstones are valued based on four criteria: clarity, colour, cut, and carat (weight or size). Most gemstones are harder than quartz (Mohs scale greater than 7) and cannot be scratched by a knife. You can also refer to online resources, such as the "mindat.org" website, which documents old mine sites and provides reports on gemstone occurrences. Additionally, you can consult local gemmological associations, such as the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), for more information on gemstone identification and grading.
