Lexi Webster
Amazonite is a bluish-green gem mineral and a variety of microline feldspar. It has been used as a gem for over 2000 years and is found in small deposits in several parts of the world, including Australia. In Australia, amazonite can be found in Paynes Find, Yalgoo Shire, Western Australia, and Baila Hill Amazonite deposit, Koppio, District Council of Tumby Bay, South Australia. It can also be found in Broken Hill, NSW, and Harts Range in the NT.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Mineral | Gem mineral |
| Variety of Feldspar | Microline feldspar |
| Colour | Green, blue-green, bluish-green, greenish-blue |
| Composition | KAlSi3O8 |
| Colour Cause | Trace amounts of lead, divalent Fe |
| Found in Australia | Paynes Find, Yalgoo Shire, Baila Hill, Koppio, Broken Hill, Harts Range |
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What You'll Learn
Broken Hill, NSW
Amazonite, a green variety of microline feldspar, can be found in this region. The specific location to find Amazonite in Broken Hill is Yancowinna County. This county is within the city of Broken Hill and is known for its mineral wealth.
To get to Broken Hill, one can take the Indian Pacific passenger service, a weekly train service that connects Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. Broken Hill is also accessible by road, with NSW TrainLink offering daily coach services connecting to Dubbo and Sydney. Additionally, Rex Airlines provides air services to and from several destinations, including Adelaide, Dubbo, and Sydney.
When exploring Broken Hill for Amazonite, it is important to be mindful of the region's unique climate. Broken Hill has a cold semi-arid climate with an average rainfall of 265 mm. It is essential to prepare for the dry and potentially cold weather conditions when planning your visit.
The town of Broken Hill also boasts a range of heritage-listed sites, including the Tarrawingee Tramway, a narrow-gauge railway line that operated from 1891 to 1898, and the "Old Convent," St Joseph's Convent, which holds historical significance. These sites offer insights into the town's past and contribute to its overall charm.
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Harts Range, NT
Harts Range in the Northern Territory is a possible place to find amazonite in Australia. This green variety of microline feldspar can be discovered in the Central Desert Region, specifically in the Mount Palmer area of the Harts Range region. The rocks here are part of the Harts Range Group, which are lower to middle proterozoic in age.
The Harts Range region is known for its unique mines, each offering a variety of discoveries. However, it is important to exercise caution when exploring this area, as there are many old mine shafts, some of which are unstable and dangerous. "Bush camping" is allowed in the area, but there are no facilities onsite. Campers must provide their own water, although bore water can be purchased at the nearby Atitjere Community store, along with fuel, groceries, and other general supplies.
The Spotted Tiger campground is situated at the entrance to the Mount Palmer area and offers camping facilities for those wishing to explore the region. This area is also a great opportunity to view and purchase Aboriginal artefacts and paintings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Overall, Harts Range in the Northern Territory offers a unique and adventurous experience for those seeking to discover amazonite in Australia, with the added bonus of exploring the region's cultural offerings and natural beauty.
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Paynes Find, Yalgoo Shire, WA
Paynes Find in Yalgoo Shire, Western Australia, is known for being a site where amazonite can be found. The Shire of Yalgoo is located 500 kilometres north of Perth and covers 28,295 square kilometres, with a population of 265 as of 2011. The shire sits just north-east of the wheat belt agricultural region.
Amazonite is a green variety of microline feldspar. In Paynes Find, it can be found at the Carnation Gold Mine in the Paynes Find Goldfield. Government geologists Woodward and Simpson have described the discovery of "handsome" amazonite in the goldfield at Carnation. More specifically, they located amazonite in the "north-east corner of GML 603 Carnation, amazonite and green microcline in northwest trending pegmatite dykes".
Paynes Find was named after Thomas Payne, who discovered gold and pegged the first lease in 1911. Today, Paynes Find consists of a basic roadhouse and a historic battery, which was built in 1911.
Other possible locations to find amazonite in Australia include Broken Hill in New South Wales and Harts Range in the Northern Territory.
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Koppio, District Council of Tumby Bay, SA
Amazonite is a green variety of microline feldspar. While I could not find a wealth of information on Baila Hill Amazonite deposit in Koppio, District Council of Tumby Bay, I did find that it is a place where you can find Amazonite in Australia.
Koppio is a tiny village located between Tumby Bay and Port Lincoln in South Australia. The District Council of Tumby Bay encompasses a number of towns and localities, including Koppio, and was established in 1906, just six years after the town of Tumby Bay was established. The district's economy relies heavily on agriculture and fishing, and to a lesser extent, tourism.
The Koppio Smithy Museum is located 30 kilometres southwest of Tumby Bay at 1951 Koppio Road. The museum is a vital part of the history of the Eyre Peninsula. The Tod River Reservoir, located 10 kilometres south of Koppio, is the only reliable river on the entire peninsula. The damming of the river was a breakthrough for the region, and the Tod River Reservoir Museum is worth visiting for its unusual EWS Heritage Display.
The village of Koppio is also close to the Tod River Reservoir and Museum, which is located 10 km south of the village. The museum showcases the history of the reservoir and the important role it played in the development of the region. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, and the museum offers a glimpse into the past with its unique exhibits.
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Amazonite with other minerals
Amazonite is a bluish-green gem mineral and a variety of microcline feldspar. It has been used as a gem for over 2000 years and is occasionally seen in one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces by designers who use unusual gems. Amazonite is found in small deposits in several parts of the world, including Australia.
In Australia, amazonite can be found in Paynes Find, Yalgoo Shire, Western Australia, and in Baila Hill, Koppio, District Council of Tumby Bay, South Australia. It is also possible to find amazonite in Broken Hill, NSW, or Harts Range in the Northern Territory.
Amazonite often occurs with other interesting minerals, such as albite feldspar, cleavelandite, quartz, and schorl tourmaline. Some collectors specialise in collecting specimens of amazonite with these associated minerals. For example, amazonite crystals from Teller County, Colorado, are often accompanied by large prismatic crystals of smoky quartz.
The green colour of amazonite is usually caused by elevated levels of lead (up to 1.2% PbO), although there are indications that the green colour of some microcline is caused by divalent Fe. Sunlight can sometimes enrich the colour of genuine amazonite.
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Frequently asked questions
Amazonite can be found in Paynes Find, Yalgoo Shire, Western Australia, and in Baila Hill, Koppio, District Council of Tumby Bay, South Australia.
Yes, possible locations include Broken Hill, NSW, and Harts Range in the Northern Territory.
Amazonite is a bluish-green gem mineral and a variety of microline feldspar.
Amazonite can be found in small deposits in several parts of the world, including the United States, Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Namibia, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.
