Australia is rich in gemstone and mineral resources but one resource, ornamental gemstones, has never been exploited to it's best potential due to a lack of investors to fund a mining operation and purchase the right equipment. Lack of foresight, on the part of Australian investors, has prevented an industry from growing.

Most of these gem resources are in difficult to reach, faraway places, but, with a fully funded operation it is possible to turn the 'sleeping giant' into a multi-million dollar a year industry and create employment for hundreds of people.

During the 1980's we prospected Australia for reserves of ornamental gemstones and took up mining tenements to try to raise funds to establish such an industry. Our prospecting commenced in 1979 and carried on through he 1980's during which time we identified more than 50 possible reserves of ornamental gems and mineral specimen material.

At the end of the 80's we wrote a proposal for funding the venture but, due to the economic climate at the time, we were unable to raise the funds to launch the venture.

Below, are some of the gemstones and minerals which may be mined throughout Australia and over the coming days we will endeavour to update the information with details of possible reserves, mining costs and uses for the raw materials.

A special mention is made of a rare precious gem, prehnite, which is found in abundance on the reserves in Northern Territory. Details of the value of this gem and possible resources will be added with reference to people and businesses which have offered the material for sale.

Gem quality prehnite is a truly magnificent stone when faceted or carved as there is no other gem in the world which exhibits the beautiful shades of green and gold colours. Valuations on faceted stones, not to the standard which we have presented to the world, have been advertised at over $US100.00 per carat and one gem which was shown o the Gemological Institute was valued at $US200.00 per carat.

Apart from prehnite, there are many other fine gems and minerals to be found in the same area or adjacent to the prehnite deposits. High quality amethyst, equal to that mined in Uruguay, has also been found in the area. We discovered geodes of quartz crystals on the surface which would have been almost a metre across.

Another unique find is the occurrence of smoky quartz geodes with unusual pseudomorphs of chalcedony after calcite and other minerals and beautiful, well formed specular hematite crystals perched on crystals of smoky quartz in geode form.

Only when this deposit is mined will the world have the privileged of viewing some new and unusual minerals and fascinating gems.

Among the other minerals uncovered in the area are a number of zeolites such as natrolite, which form as hemispheres inside the prehnite and scolecite crystals up to 3" in length which can be found in cavities in the prehnite.

The most unusual specimen of scientific interest to be discovered was a specimen of a part section of smoky quartz with the crystal faces covered with a layer of agate. What makes this specimen so unusual is the fact that agate should not occur like this. It looks as though the agate has been cut through and has the appearance of 'crazy lace agate' from Mexico.

Genuine investors are currently being sought and anyone interested should contact Gerald Pauley by email at: sales@openallday.au.com

AGATE
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Wave Hill agate is found predominantly reds, pinks and white with bands of quartz crystals between the agate bands.

AGATE
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Wave Hill agates have some interesting floating agate centres. They may also have inclusions of other minerals.

AMETHYST
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Amethyst is also found adjacent to the prehnite and agates. Crystals such s this are found in geodes.

AMETHYST
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Amethyst from another area occurs in geodes with pseudomorphs coating the crystal points.

STITCHTITE & SERPENTINE
Serpentine Hill, Tasmania,
Australia

This combination of colours makes for excellent beads, cabochons and carvings. The material is soft, easy to cut and takes an excellent polish.

CALC-SILICATE
Mt. Isa Region, Queensland,
Australia

There are a wide variety of calc-silicates available from mine old copper mine dumps and road cuttings in the Mt. Isa/Cloncurry area of Queensland. This example contains actinolite, calcite and feldspar.

OPALISED WOOD
Central Queensland,
Australia

Logs of opalised wood, such as this 15" long log may be excavated in several areas.

Large deposits of opalised vegetation occur nearby.

See other examples wood 1, wood 2, veg 1, veg 2.

PREHNITE
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Vast quantities of prehnite nodules are scattered over the surface. When polished the true beauty and clarity may be revealed. This piece is rated in the 'B' grade range. A clearer piece of prehnite may be view by clicking link.
EXTRA CLARITY

PREHNITE & NATROLITE
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Other minerals are also found enclosed in the prehnite. The specimen on the left has compact groups of acicular natrolite crystals.

PREHNITE CARVED FISH
Wave Hill, Northern Territory,
Australia

Prehnite also makes beautiful carvings. When polished the true beauty and clarity may be revealed. This piece rated in the 'B' grade range.