Welcome, fellow gem enthusiasts and adventurers alike, to an alluring voyage of discovery that will take us deep into the heart of Western Australia’s rich and captivating geological tapestry. In this blog post, we explore the captivating art of fossicking, the act of searching for gemstones and minerals, a pursuit that combines the thrill of the hunt, the love of nature, and the potential for sparkling rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned prospector or an absolute beginner, the vast and diverse landscapes of Western Australia (WA) offer a cornucopia of opportunities to uncover precious and semi-precious stones. And, you never know, your next find may just be a priceless treasure, waiting beneath the surface to be unearthed by your keen eyes and patient hands.
Western Australia, with its ancient lands brimming with mineral wealth, is a veritable treasure trove for fossicking enthusiasts. From the brilliant blues of sapphires to the lush greens of chrysoprase, the glistening gold hues of zircon, and the alluring opulence of diamonds, the soils of WA are teeming with precious gems. Each type of gemstone tells a unique story, embedded in the earth over millions of years, providing an enchanting insight into the geologic history of the region.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be illuminating the where and how of fossicking in WA. From the gem-rich landscapes of the Kimberley, famous for its extraordinary pink diamonds, to the expansive terrain of the Pilbara, renowned for its deposits of exquisite gold and ironstone, and the Gascoyne region, abundant with spectacular sapphires, we’ll embark on a journey through the state’s most productive fossicking locales.
Stay tuned as we delve into the nitty-gritty of fossicking techniques, legalities, and safety measures, while shining a spotlight on the types of gemstones you can hope to discover on your WA fossicking adventure. With a little patience, a keen eye, and a sense of adventure, you’ll be well on your way to revealing the hidden jewels of Western Australia. Happy fossicking!
What Gemstones Are Found In WA?
Western Australia is a vast and geologically diverse state, boasting a rich array of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Diamonds: The most famed diamond mines in Western Australia are in the Kimberley region, particularly the Argyle Diamond Mine, known for producing a high volume of diamonds, including the unique and coveted pink and red diamonds.
Gold: Western Australia is famed for its gold deposits. While not a gemstone, gold nuggets are still a thrilling and valuable find. The Goldfields, as their name suggests, are particularly rich in this precious metal.
Sapphires: Although less well-known than the sapphire deposits in Eastern Australia, there are pockets of sapphires in Western Australia, particularly in the Gascoyne region. Here, they can range from deep blues to vibrant greens.
Chrysoprase: This beautiful green gemstone, a variety of chalcedony, is found in nickel-rich soils of Western Australia. Marlborough and West Pilbara are well-known for their chrysoprase deposits.
Opal: While South Australia is most famous for opal mining, Western Australia also has some deposits. The kind of opal found in Western Australia tends to be ‘boulder opal’, a variety found attached to ironstone.
Zircon: Zircon, found in the Halls Creek region of the Kimberley, comes in a range of colours, including colourless forms that are often used as diamond substitutes.
Agate and Jasper: Agate and Jasper are both types of chalcedony found in a variety of colors. They are often located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Pearls: The coastal waters of the Kimberley region in North Western Australia are renowned for their pearl-producing oysters.
Remember, it’s essential to obtain appropriate permissions and adhere to local regulations when fossicking for gemstones in any region of Australia.
Is It Possible To Find Some Really Rare Crystals In WA?
Yes, Western Australia (WA) does have a variety of rare and unique crystals. Its vast and diverse landscapes, which have seen billions of years of geological activity, harbor a number of exceptional gems. Here are a few examples:
Pink Diamonds: Arguably one of the most famous rare gems from WA, pink diamonds, were until recently mined at the Argyle Diamond Mine in the Kimberley region. While the mine closed in 2020, these diamonds, particularly the intense pink and red varieties, remain a rare and highly valued find.
Chrysoprase: Western Australia is renowned for its deposits of chrysoprase, a vibrant, apple-green variety of chalcedony. It’s considered one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the chalcedony family.
Mookaite (Mookaite Jasper): Mookaite is a variety of radiolarite, a sedimentary rock, and is named after the place it is found—Mooka Creek in Western Australia. It features a stunning range of colors, from deep reds and purples to golden hues, and is prized by collectors and crystal enthusiasts.
Black Opals: Although opals are primarily associated with South Australia, some parts of WA like Mintabie, Andamooka, and Coober Pedy have been known to produce rare black opals.
Gold Nuggets: The Goldfields region of Western Australia is renowned for its large, high-purity gold nuggets, making it a favorite amongst prospectors.
Ironstone and Boulder Opals: These are a special type of opal found adhered to ironstone, which is common in Western Australia.
It’s important to note that while fossicking can be a fun and potentially rewarding hobby, collectors should always respect local laws and land rights, and should obtain necessary permissions before beginning their hunt.
Best Places To Fossick in Western Australia?
Western Australia (WA) is known for its vast mineral wealth and is a popular destination for hobbyist fossickers and serious prospectors alike. There are several regions across WA where you can fossick for a variety of gemstones and precious metals:
The Kimberley Region: The remote, rugged, and beautiful Kimberley region is a good place to look for diamonds, especially pink diamonds, although the famous Argyle Mine closed in 2020. This region is also known for zircon.
Pilbara Region: In the Pilbara region, you can find gold, agate, jasper, and chrysoprase. There’s also the possibility of finding rare Martian meteorites, as Pilbara’s ancient landscapes are similar to the Martian surface, causing these meteorites to be relatively easier to spot.
Murchison Region: The Murchison Region, especially around the towns of Cue and Meekatharra, is well known for gold nuggets.
Gascoyne Region: Sapphires can be found in the Gascoyne region. However, they’re not as common as in the eastern states of Australia.
Wheatbelt Region: In the Wheatbelt region, particularly around the town of Yilgarn, you can find garnets and other semi-precious stones.
Goldfields-Esperance Region: Known for its vast gold deposits, the Goldfields-Esperance Region is a popular spot for those seeking to find gold nuggets.
Capel Region: In the Capel region, south of Perth, you can find agate, petrified wood, and fossilized coral.
Carnarvon Basin: The Carnarvon Basin, specifically the Kennedy Range National Park, is known for beautiful specimens of septarian nodules.
Remember, it’s essential to ensure you have the correct permissions and comply with local regulations when fossicking in Western Australia, as some areas are on private property, national parks, or indigenous lands. It’s always a good idea to check with local visitor centres, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, or local prospecting clubs for up-to-date information.
