Where Are Gemstones Found In Australia?

Introduction To Gemstones In Australia

We all know some countries whose land is rich in gems. Few countries have large reserves of these gems like Australia. The crust of Australia contains the oldest rocks and many gems. Australia is known as the largest producer of opal, sapphire, ruby, diamond, emerald, topaz, jade, garnet, aquamarine etc.

Parti sapphire, also known as bi-color or polychrome sapphire, is also found in Australia. They are extremely rare gems. It is found with shades of blue and yellow.

Countries like India and China are the biggest buyers of this gem. The stone can be sold for up to $12,000 per carat. Australia is popular for the production of pink Diamonds.

History Of Gemstones Found In Australia

Diamonds of many colors were found in abundance in Australia in 1979. In the 1980s, Australia became a third producer of diamonds in the world.

Opal is a common gemstone found in Australia. Australia supplies more than 90% of the world’s opal since the 1930s. According to a 2018 report, Australia’s opal market was worth AU$16 million.It is one of the major leaders in the entire gemstone market. It has produced some rare and beautiful gems like diamond, sapphire, opal etc.

Recently, a valuable mineral called musgraviate was discovered. This gemstone is very rare and comes in many colors like green, purple, grey. Musgraviate can be sold for up to AU$34,000 per carat.

List Of Places Where Gemstones Are Found In Australia?

These are some of the areas where there are gem mines. Many visitors go there to find these below mentioned places.

A Map Showing The Gemstone Occurrences and Mines In Australia.

Oberon, New South Wales

It is located about 150 km from Sydney. Here you can find gems like sapphire, gold, diamond etc.

Coober Pedy, South Australia

It is about 750 km from Adelaide. Here you can find opal gemstone in mining area. It is located in the desert. Opals were first discovered about 100 years ago. Since then it has been the largest supplier of opal in the world.

The local people own the most land and use mining machines. Mintabi Precious Stone Field has reserves of opal worth $4 billion. There is also a place named Kuber Pedi where many miners have found their success. With about 70 mines, it is one of the world’s largest producers of white opal.

Killiecrankie Bay, Tasmania

You can find this place at the northern end of Flinders Island in Tasmania. Here you can find Topaz commonly known as Killicrankie Diamonds.

Inverell, New South Wales

You can find sapphire gems at this place. Here you will also find some privately owned mines.

The Gemfields, Queensland

It is located 285 km west of Rockhampton. Here you will easily find multicolored sapphires and zircon gems.

Glen Innes, New South Wales

It is one of the popular gemstone mining sites in Australia. Also one of the richest minerals. You do not need a license to find gems in this area.

Harts Range, Northern Territory

This places belongs to garnet gemstones.

Mount Hope, New South Wales

In the 1950s, a huge bush fire forced people to leave the city. Now the population of this city is about 50. You may find some rock crystals in this area. Sapphire is obtained in huge quantity from this place.

Mount Surprise, Queensland

You can find gemstones like topaz, amethyst, aquamarine and smoky quartz. But gems are difficult to get because of the closure of the mines.

Newry Station, Northern Territory

This is the only place where Zebra Rock is. Zebra rocks are also known as Kimberley siltstones.

Conclusion

These are popular places where gem mines are located. You can try your luck finding gems in or near these mines.

If you think this blog has helped you? Please share the blog with your friends, family and all gem lovers. If I missed something in the blog, let me know by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading…

History Of Gemstones Found In Australia

List Of Places Where Gemstones Are Found In Australia?

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