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Many people plan their holidays around fossicking, with some passionate
fossickers going fossicking at every opportunity. Whether it is gold, semi and
precious stones, it can become an addictive passion. Each state and territory
has it own fossicking laws, so you need to contact the appropriate government
body as to their legal requirements. Information about fossicking in areas known
for fossicking or promoted as such, can often be had from the local
information centre. We also provide information under our
Fossicking - Other Links.
Following are some tips when fossicking for gemstones. |
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There are a number of fossicking areas throughout Australia. To avoid
disappointment, pre-plan your trip by contact the local Visitor and Tourist
Information Centres to find out what locations are available and whether
permission or a
permit is required. |
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STATE |
LOCATION |
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NSW |
Inverell, Copeton Waters |
Gemstones. |
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NSW |
Glen Innes and Severn Shire |
Gemstones - sapphire, emerald, garnet, topaz and quartz crystal. |
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NSW |
Hill End |
Gold |
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NSW |
Blayney and Blayney Shire |
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NSW |
Bellata (Narrabri Shire) |
Agate, jasper, opalised opal, petrified wood |
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NSW |
Bathurst |
Gold |
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NSW |
Abercrombie Caves Nature Reserve |
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NSW |
Lightning Ridge |
Opals |
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NSW |
Mogo |
Gold |
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NSW |
Mudgee |
Gold |
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NSW |
Murwillumbah |
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NSW |
Oberon |
Gold, sapphire, zircon, diamond, smoky quartz crystal. |
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NSW |
Sofala |
Gold |
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NSW |
Uralla |
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NSW |
White Cliffs |
Opal |
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STATE |
LOCATION |
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QLD |
Chillagoe |
Crystal |
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QLD |
Quilpie |
Opal |
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QLD |
Richmond |
Fossils |
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STATE |
LOCATION |
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SA |
Coober Pedy |
Opal |
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SA |
Farina |
Quartz crystal |
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This depends on what you are fossicking for and where. The
following will give you an idea of your needs:
a variety of sieves, a small hand pick, short-handled shovel, a
couple of plastic buckets, a small plastic lidded container to store
your finds, heavy duty pick, long-handled shovel, a long metal rod
such as a screwdriver for getting into the tight areas where there
is a lot of rocks. |
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Spend a little time specking over the area for signs of exposed
wash, previous successful digs, exposed gems due to recent rains,
and any indication of unworked ground. When working a dig for
example sapphires, you are looking for a layer of wash or gravel
seam. This indicates an old river bed. |
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Place your sieves one on top of the other and fill your top (5 mm)
sieve with wash, submerge below water and shake in a circular motion
with a slight up and down movement to partly suspend the wash in the
water while turning. This assists with releasing the smaller and
finer wash. When washing is complete, remove top sieve and rake
through it with your fingers, looking for gems of a 'glassy'
appearance or stones of interesting colours. Hold the sieve above
you head and into the sun, and if you see anything shine, inspect it
as it may be a gem that you have missed. Next inspect the lower
sieve (3 mm) and wash again to remove any clay matter. When washed,
shake vigorously up and down with the left and then right hand
coming out of the water with the wash in the centre of the sieve
remaining submerged. Then turn sieve 90 degrees and repeat. This
will bring the heavy material to the centre. Repeat about six times
and one the last time, bring the line of wash into a round pile at
the centre and 'pat' the sieve up and down on the water's surface to
level out the wash. Take the sieve to a clean, flat area for
inspection and flip the sieve over towards you landing it squarely
upside-down. If centred correctly, the gemstones will be in the
centre and on top. If you can get someone to demonstrate the
technique it will be most helpful. |
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When fossicking commonsense should prevail.
- Fossickers should not cause reduction or change the flow of
any waterways.
- You should not damage or remove bush rocks.
- Fossicking should be conducted in such manner as to avoid
damage or interference with native vegetation and to have minimal
effect on native vegetation and fauna habitat.
- Take all your rubbish with you.
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