Lyla Lindsey
Amethysts are rare gemstones that can be found in Australia. In 2024, a 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster, the largest ever found in Australia, was discovered in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The discovery was made by crystal hunters and Outback Crystal Hunters stars Kirsty McMullan and Patrick Gundersen. Amethysts have also been found in the Zeehan mining district of Tasmania.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amethyst found in Australia | Yes |
| Location | Amethyst Mt Heemskirk mineral field, Zeehan mining district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania; WA's Pilbara region |
| Notable discoveries | 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster, the largest ever found in Australia; 4kg amethyst |
| Notable people | Steve Grahame, Patrick Gundersen, Kirsty McMullan, Kirsty McCullen |
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What You'll Learn
Amethyst found in Western Australia's Pilbara region
Amethysts are found in Western Australia, specifically in the Pilbara region. The largest amethyst cluster ever discovered in Australia was found in the Pilbara region, weighing in at 21 to 22.5 tonnes. The discovery was made by crystal hunters and jewellers Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan (also known as Kirsty McCullen), who estimated the cluster to be worth around $1 million. The amethyst was unearthed at the Great Australian Amethyst Mine and was featured in the reality television series Outback Crystal Hunters.
Western Australia is known for its diverse range of gemstones, decorative stones, and ornamental stones used for jewellery and sculpture. The discovery of diamonds in the Kimberley region has led to a thriving mining industry, and other gemstones such as amethyst, aquamarine, and topaz can also be found in the state. The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) have collaborated to publish comprehensive resources on the history and quality of gemstone occurrences in the state.
The process of unearthing and transporting the massive amethyst cluster from the Pilbara region was challenging and required specialised equipment. Steve Grahame, a veteran outback truckie, was called upon to help transport the amethyst cluster from the mine site to a gem factory in Perth, located approximately 1500 kilometres away. The cluster was carefully loaded onto a trailer, with the team facing difficulties due to its size and weight.
The discovery of the large amethyst cluster in the Pilbara region highlights the potential for valuable gemstone finds in Western Australia. With only a handful of full-time crystal hunters in the country, discretion is important to protect favourite hunting spots and avoid overcrowding. The WA government has published a comprehensive guide called "Gemstones of Western Australia," which lists the various gemstones and crystals found in the state, encouraging exploration and responsible prospecting.
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Amethyst Mt Heemskirk mineral field in Tasmania
Amethyst can indeed be found in Australia, with one of the notable locations being the Amethyst Mt Heemskirk mineral field in Tasmania. This mineral field is located in the Zeehan mining district of the West Coast municipality in Tasmania, Australia.
The Mt Heemskirk mineral field is known for its granite-related cassiterite and base metal stockwork mineralisation. The mineralisation is generally stratabound and is structurally controlled on fold/fault dilation zones between lithologies of contrasting rheology. The area is characterised by miarolitic cavities in the granite, which can contain attractive specimens of quartz, including amethyst, as well as schorl and, occasionally, cassiterite.
The Mt Heemskirk mineral field has been the site of mining activities, with historical mines such as the Tenth Legion mine and other workings such as Federation, Sweeney's, Globe, and St Dizier. The Heemskirk Tin Project, owned by Stellar Resources Ltd, involves the development of an underground mine, processing plant, and tailings storage facility to mine ore from the Queen Hill, Severn, and Montana tin deposits in the region.
In recent years, there have been notable discoveries of amethyst in other parts of Australia. In 2024, a 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster was unearthed in the Pilbara region of Western Australia by crystal hunters Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan. This discovery was featured in the reality television series "Outback Crystal Hunters".
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Amethyst crystal hunters in Australia
Amethysts can be found in Australia, and crystal hunters have been known to seek them out. In 2024, a 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster worth an estimated $1 million was discovered in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It was the largest amethyst cluster ever found in Australia and was unearthed by Cairns-based crystal hunters and jewellers Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan, who appear in the reality TV series Outback Crystal Hunters.
The discovery of such a large amethyst cluster is a rare event, and it is estimated that there are fewer than a dozen full-time crystal hunters in Australia. The small number of people involved in this profession may be due in part to the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the work. As McMullan noted, there is always a risk that a valuable crystal could break during the extraction process, and the financial investment required to attempt such an extraction is significant.
Despite these challenges, crystal hunting can be a lucrative and exciting endeavour. Gundersen, who has a home crystal collection, has sold pieces to clients all over the world, including individual collectors, museums, and galleries. The discovery of a large amethyst cluster in Western Australia is a testament to the potential rewards of crystal hunting.
For those interested in crystal hunting in Australia, it is important to be aware of the legal and ethical considerations involved. Crystal hunters should ensure that they have the necessary permissions and licences to excavate and remove crystals from the land. Additionally, it is crucial to respect the environment and local communities by minimising any negative impacts and seeking to share the benefits of any discoveries with those communities.
While amethysts can be found in Australia, the exact locations of crystal deposits are often kept secret by hunters to protect their favourite spots and prevent over-mining. However, for those willing to take on the challenge, crystal hunting can offer the thrill of discovery and the potential for significant financial rewards.
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Amethyst as part of Australia's subterranean treasures
Amethyst is undoubtedly part of Australia's subterranean treasures. While it is not among the most common minerals on Earth, it can be found in several locations across the country.
One notable site is the Amethyst Mt Heemskirk mineral field in the Zeehan mining district of Tasmania. Additionally, the Pilbara region in Western Australia, specifically the Great Australian Amethyst Mine, has yielded significant discoveries. In 2024, a 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster, valued at around $1 million, was unearthed by crystal hunters Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan. This discovery was featured in the reality television series "Outback Crystal Hunters," showcasing the challenges and excitement of gem hunting.
The discovery process can be challenging, as described by Steve Grahame, a veteran outback truckie who assisted in transporting the 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster. The process involved custom equipment and careful handling to ensure the cluster's safe removal and transport over 1500 kilometres to a gem factory in Perth.
Western Australia, particularly the Pilbara region, has proven to be a hotspot for amethyst discoveries. The remote and rugged nature of the area adds to the sense of adventure and secrecy among crystal hunters. With less than a dozen full-time crystal hunters in Australia, the locations of valuable gemstone deposits are closely guarded secrets to protect them from being overrun by other hunters.
Amethyst, along with other rare gemstones like aquamarine and topaz, contributes to the diversity and value of Australia's mineral wealth. The global demand for these gemstones, including clients from individual collectors to museums and galleries, underscores the significance of amethyst as a sought-after treasure.
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Amethyst crystals in the family of Steve Grahame
Amethysts can be found in Australia, with one of the notable discoveries of the gemstone being in the WA's Pilbara region. This discovery was made by Cairns-based crystal hunters and jewellers, Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan, who are also a part of a reality television series called Outback Crystal Hunters. The amethyst cluster weighed 22.5 tonnes, making it the largest amethyst cluster ever found in Australia.
Veteran outback truckie Steve Grahame was called upon to help unearth this massive amethyst cluster. Steve, aged 72, is an experienced truck driver with a 1994 model Kenworth C501. He has featured in the Outback Truckers series and is set to appear in Outback Crystal Hunters as well.
Steve played a crucial role in transporting the 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster from the Pilbara region to a gem factory in Perth, covering a distance of approximately 1500 kilometres. The process of unearthing and transporting the cluster was challenging and required careful planning. A custom-made tow strap rated at 50 tonnes was used, but it was destroyed during the operation.
Steve Grahame's expertise and his truck's capabilities were instrumental in ensuring the successful transportation of the amethyst cluster. As a token of appreciation, Patrick and Kirsty allowed Steve to collect some amethyst crystals from the site. These crystals became souvenirs for Steve's family and friends, with some amethysts now in the possession of his grandchildren.
Thus, the discovery of the largest amethyst cluster in Australia and Steve Grahame's involvement in its unearthing and transportation led to a unique connection between the crystals and Steve's family, with amethysts quite literally "floating around" among his loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, amethyst can be found in Australia.
Amethyst has been found in the Amethyst Camfield station, Top Springs, Victoria-Daly Region, Northern Territory, Australia. It has also been found in Zeehan mining district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania, Australia. The world's largest amethyst crystal cluster was found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Kirsty McMullan and Patrick Gundersen, stars of the reality TV show Outback Crystal Hunters, found the 22.5-tonne amethyst cluster.
The amethyst cluster found by Kirsty McMullan and Patrick Gundersen is estimated to be worth around $1 million.
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