Early Australian Diamond Discoveries: Unveiling the Mysteries of Australian Gemstones

The Enigmatic Journey of Australian Gemstones

Throughout history, gemstones have captivated humanity with their allure and beauty. From diamonds to sapphires, each gemstone carries a story of its origin and discovery. Australia, a land known for its diverse landscapes and rich mining history, holds a remarkable place in the realm of gemstones. In this article, we take a deep dive into the early Australian diamond discoveries, unraveling the mysteries surrounding Australian gemstones.

Gems Beneath the Great Southern Land

Australia is renowned for its abundance of natural resources, and gemstones are no exception. The continent's vast geological diversity has gifted it with an astonishing variety of precious stones. Diamonds, opals, sapphires, and many other gemstones can be found hidden beneath the Great Southern Land's surface.

The mystery of Australian gemstones lies not only in their abundance but also in their unique quality. Australian diamonds, for example, possess remarkable characteristics and color variations. They are known for their intense natural colors, including yellow, pink, and the rare Argyle blue. The Argyle diamond mine, located in Western Australia, has been instrumental in enhancing Australia's reputation as a global leader in colored diamonds.

Early Australian Diamond Discoveries: Australian Gemstones Series Book 2

by Trudy Toohill(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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A Glimpse into History: Early Australian Diamond Discoveries

The history of Australian diamond discoveries dates back to the early 19th century. The first reported finding of diamonds in Australia occurred in 1851, during the Australian gold rush. The initial discovery took place near the town of Clunes in Victoria, leading to a surge in prospecting activities.

Following the Clunes discovery, more diamonds were unearthed across Australia, with significant finds in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. These early discoveries ignited a diamond frenzy, drawing miners from all corners of the globe to try their luck in Australia's vast and unexplored lands.

One of the most renowned Australian diamond mines of that time was the New Rush Mine in Kimberly, Western Australia. This mine, now known as the famous Argyle diamond mine, quickly became synonymous with Australian gemstones.

The Argyle Diamond Mine: A True Gem in the Outback

Located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Argyle diamond mine has been a significant contributor to the global diamond market since it started operations in 1983. The mine, owned by Rio Tinto, is the world's largest supplier of natural colored diamonds.

The Argyle diamond mine is not only famous for its exceptional diamonds but also for the exquisite pink diamonds it produces. Pink diamonds are extremely rare, and the Argyle mine accounts for over 90% of the global supply. As the mine is set to close in 2021, the value of pink diamonds is expected to skyrocket, making them even more sought after by collectors and investors.

Australian Gemstones: A Treasure Worth Exploring

While diamonds have taken center stage in Australia's gemstone industry, other precious stones have also contributed to the nation's rich mining history. Opals, for instance, hold a special place in Australian culture and have been mined in regions such as Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy.

Opals are known for their captivating play of colors, ranging from vibrant reds to deep blues. Australia is recognized as a major producer of high-quality opals, with Lightning Ridge being home to some of the world's finest black opals.

The Future of Australian Gemstones

The allure of Australian gemstones continues to captivate the world, and their global demand is expected to rise in the coming years. With the looming closure of the Argyle diamond mine and the scarcity of pink diamonds, collectors and investors cling to the hope of acquiring these rare gems.

While the future of Australian gemstones may face challenges, the rich mining history and geological diversity of the continent promise an exciting journey ahead. As technology advances and exploration techniques evolve, we can only anticipate new discoveries and uncover even more mysteries beneath Australia's vast lands.

Australia's early diamond discoveries have played a crucial role in shaping its reputation as a significant player in the global gemstone industry. From the first finding in Clunes to the extraordinary pink diamonds of the Argyle mine, the journey of Australian gemstones is filled with intrigue and wonder.

As we dive into the depths of Australia's gemstone history, we realize that its natural treasures are more than just objects of beauty. They carry with them stories of exploration, courage, and the indomitable spirit of those who sought to uncover the hidden gems within the Great Southern Land.

Early Australian Diamond Discoveries: Australian Gemstones Series Book 2

by Trudy Toohill(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	41 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This book contains stories on early Australian diamond discoveries, and also includes details on how to identify the diamonds you find. The information included has come from early original newspaper sources. Through the passage of time, many Australian diamond locations have been forgotten. The aim of this book is to ensure that the modern day gem fossicker is more aware of the history of diamond discoveries in Australia, so they can utilise this knowledge to improve their success of finding diamonds.