Newbie to the forum and bitten by the fossicking bug!

[Dmycha14]

Hi all,

My names Dan, I have recently been bitten by the bug after finding a few nice quartz specimens containing what I'm told is pyrite! I enjoy getting into the great outdoors and hiking/camping in our great Australian bush. I have always loved collecting rocks and minerals (most purchased from stores) and now have a basic understanding that there are opportunities to find my own specimens to add to my collection. I would certainly appreciate any advice anybody has for gem fossicking within 1-2 hours of Melbourne especially around Daylesford/Trenthham/Blackwood area as I often head there for a drink of some sweet mineral water!. Im not really fussy, would like to find a few specimens while enjoying the outdoors!

Thanks!

Dan.

 

[Jaros]

Welcome mate. You will have a ball fossicking and learning at the same time.
Enjoy the forum.
Jaros

 

[gcause]

Welcome to the forum Dan, research is the key to success Google and Trove are great for research the areas you mentioned. Good luck with it.

 

[Dmycha14]

Thanks for the welcoming comments well good news is I took a trip down to the wombat state forest for some mineral water and found a small creek and decided to dip my hands into some ice cold gravel and to my surprise I came up with a few 0.5-1.5mm zircons I think? Very happy with the find! Pics will be up tomorrow!

 

[Dmycha14]

Heres some of the findings. Not 100% sure what they are so any input welcome!

 

[Heatho]

G'day mate, welcome aboard, they actually look like Garnets to me, the clear ones maybe Zircons but not sure, a white background with clear stones makes it difficult also. Looks like a piece of Black Spinel too, a semi precious gemstone also.

 

[Dmycha14]

Thanks! The black gem is also magnetic when held to a strong magnet and has a slight iridescence too.

 

[Dmycha14]

Just curious as to weather these small gems (apart from their beauty and personal collection value) are worth anything else at 1-3mm? :/