fossicking location in pilbara ?

[Carbs]

Does anyone know of good gemstone fossicking locations near Newman, Nullagine or Marble Bar. I will be up there in July with the family and would love to find some agates or other gems ? Its an area rich in minerals I understand, but how do I get access and how do I know where to get onto some good stuff ? My kids love digging for gems. thanks

 

[RedDirtDigger]

Hi Carbs most of the rocky creeks you cross driving from Newman to Nullagine contain agates and chalcedony. The creeks closer to Nullagine have the better quality agates. Just stop at each creek and you will quickly work out which ones have the best agates.
The best whole agates (just released from matrix occur on the skull springs road about 60km east of Nullagine, further on the "Running Waters" warm springs have small high quality water worn agates in the river gravels. There are millions of pieces, you just need to sort through and get the best bits. You could fill a trailer full in 1/2 an hour if you were that way inclined. Be aware the roads do have some traffic but the area is very isolated and the roads can be very rutted.
Cheers RedDirtDigger

 

[Carbs]

Thanks RedDirtDigger, you make it sound pretty easy, Really looking forward to going up in July. i have just forked out some $ for a good rock tumbler so a few pilbara agates would be a treat. My girls will love it - thanks again cheers Carbs