hey guys so im in one of the worst areas in Aus for fossicking/prospecting (sunshine coast QLD near brisbane)
Lefty said:hey guys so im in one of the worst areas in Aus for fossicking/prospecting (sunshine coast QLD near brisbane)
That's what I think about Gladstone as well but in both our cases it might just be that what exists is not officially listed, is only on private property etc - it may be far more interesting than we know.
Given that the geology of pretty much the entire eastern seaboard and subcoastal areas of Queensland should theoretically be favourable to the formation of gemmy materials - a mass of igneous rock, both intrusive and extrusive that stretches the entire length of the state - I would not be surprised if gem materials do exist in your area. The Sunshine Coast region was clearly very volcanically active at some stage, as is demonstrated by the extinct volcanic plugs that dot the area.
I have heard that a type of opal - a volcanic substance different to the stuff that comes from out west - exists in your area. I think I have actually seen it for sale at the Anakie gem fest.
Even though gemstones are officially non-existent in my area, I know of the existence of agate 5 minutes drive from where I live (and access is barred of course ) and there is amethyst and smokey only an hour's drive away (see KTman's post about digging at lowmead). In a bit of a broader area (within 2 hours drive), I can confirm the existence of almandine garnets, petrified wood, carnelian and sard and thundereggs. I have found turquoise very close to home and although what I found was too thin to cab, it's likely that thicker nuggets are there somewhere. And geologists have identified that the potential precious opal-bearing geology intrudes into this region as well.
Historical records regarding gemstones were not kept by 99% of those who came through the region digging in the dirt 100 or more years ago. They were after one thing and one thing alone - gold. Gemstones were of little or no interest to them for the most part. Where records were actually kept they are sketchy at best but they record the finding of garnets, zircons, topaz and sapphires - this is not the Rubyvale field, this is much closer to Gladstone and Rockhampton.
So you never know what might be around, especially when the geology is potentially favourable. An old member of our club told me the other night that a mate of his found a volcanic bomb in a spot that is now practically an outer suburb of Gladstone and that when they cracked it open, it contained peridot crystals although none were big enough to facet. Members of your local lapidary club might have some ideas.
If only miners rights still existed we could all be out combing the back blocks.
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