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Federation University Historical Collection
Geological specimen - Rocks, Bothyoidal Manganese
... Geological specimen...Geological Specimen... Geological specimen Bothyoidal Manganese Geological Specimen From ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, bothyoidal manganese -
Federation University Historical Collection
Geological specimen - Rocks, Dravite
... Geological specimen...Geological Specimen... Geological specimen Dravite Geological Specimen From the Ballarat ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology -
Federation University Historical Collection
Geological specimen - Rocks, Quartz Crystal
... Geological specimen...Geological specimen... Geological specimen Quartz Crystal Geological specimen From ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological specimenrocks, geology -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Basalt (igneous-volcanic) containing Olivine, unknown
... geological specimen...Geological specimen...This particular geological specimen was found in Mount... This particular geological specimen was found in Mount Franklin ...This particular geological specimen was found in Mount Franklin or Lalgambook in Djadjawurrung, located between Daylesford and Newstead, approximately ninety minutes drive from Melbourne. The mountain is an example of a breached scoria cone (a steep conical hill of loose pyroclastic fragments) which was created by a volcanic eruption about 470,000 years ago, a date which may indicate the age of this geological specimen. The volcanic eruptions of Mount Franklin were most likely witnessed by members of the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal tribe, who referred to this country as the 'smoking grounds'. Mount Franklin and the surrounding area appears to have been a place of considerable religious significance to Aboriginal people, there is evidence which indicates that frequent large ceremonial gatherings took place in the area. Basalt is the most common rock on Earth’s surface, more than 90% of all volcanic rock on Earth is basalt. Basalt is an aphanitic extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava exposed at or very near the surface of a rocky planet or moon. Specimens are black in colour and weather to dark green or brown. Basalt is rich in iron and magnesium and is mainly composed of olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase. Olivine is the name of a group of rock-forming silicate minerals with compositions ranging between Mg2SiO4 and Fe2SiO4. Unlike other minerals, Olivine has a very high crystallisation temperature which makes it the first of the minerals to crystallise from magma. As magma cools, the crystals begin to form and settle on the bottom of the lava and form basalts that are abnormally enriched in olivine in the lower part of lava flows. According to H. M. King (on geology.com) "Olivine is thought to be an important mineral in Earth's mantle. Its presence as a mantle mineral has been inferred by a change in the behaviour of seismic waves as they cross the boundary between Earth's crust and mantle". Lava from Mount Franklin and other volcanoes in the area filled valleys and buried the gold bearing streams that became the renowned ‘deep leads’ of the gold mining era. In 1852, as part of the Victorian gold rush, gold was discovered in the immediate area, this gold was created by lava flows during the Newer Volcanic period, which were mined intensively during the nineteenth century. Around 1865 the presence of a deep lead in Mount Franklin was established. Deep lead mining was initially unsuccessful, and it was not until the late 1870s that the Franklinford Gold Mining Company mined at Mount Franklin on a significant scale. A few years later the Mount Franklin Estate Gold Mining Company also struck gold, followed by the Shakespeare and Great Western companies in the mid-1880s. By the late 1880s, however, deep lead mining had ceased in the area. Soon after gold was discovered in 1851, Victoria’s Governor La Trobe wrote to the Colonial Office in London, urging ‘the propriety of selecting and appointing as Mineral Surveyor for this Colony a gentleman possessed of the requisite qualifications and acquaintance with geological science and phenomena’. Alfred Selwyn was appointed geological surveyor in Australia in 1852 which began the Geological Survey of Victoria. In 1853-69 the Geological Survey issued under Selwyn's direction sixty-one geological maps and numerous reports; they were of such high standard that a writer in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London bracketed the survey with that of the United States of America as the best in the world. During his years spent in Australia, Selwyn collected numerous significant geological specimens, examples of which are held in collections such as the Burke Museum.This geological specimen is an example of basalt and olivine which shows the volcanic lava activity and geographical specific nature of Mt Franklin as a significant volcanic site. According to Agriculture Victoria 'The crater is one of the deepest in the Central Highlands area. It is a major megacryst site with some of the largest known Victorian examples of megacrysts of augite and an orthoclase. The small parasitic mound of Lady Franklin on the western flanks adds to the geological interest of the site'. This specimen also highlights the locality as a significant place for both indigenous activity and Victorian gold rush era mining practices. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.An angular, solid hand-sized piece of grey volcanic Basalt with green/brown Olivine phenocrysts along one flat edge.Olivine in basalt / - label is probably / correct. / C. Willman / 15/4/21burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, basalt, igneous rock, igneous-volcanic, volcanic geology, volcanic, olivine, olivine specimen, basaltoid -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Brown Coal
... geological specimen...Geological specimen... geological specimens, examples of which are held in collections...-country Brown Coal Geological specimen A solid hand-sized ...Brown Coal is typically found as rocks. During formation the Brown Coal starts as peats, which is an acidic brown deposit resembling soil, and over time when subjected to pressure and heat these peats form the Coal. Brown Coal is the lowest rank of coal as it has a low carbon (energy) content, and a high moisture content. This high moisture content makes Brown Coal unsuitable for overseas exports. This particular specimen was recovered from the Yallourn Mine in Latrobe Valley, Victoria as part of the geological survey of Victoria being carried out by Alfred Selwyn. Otherwise known as the 'Yallourn Power Station', the Yallourn Mine is Australia's second largest mine. Yallourn Mine was first built in 1920, and since then it has been providing over 1 billion tonnes of Brown Coal to Australia every year. The Yallourn Mine is responsible for 22% of Victoria's electricity and 8% of Australia's electricity. As of 2021 the mine employs around 500 people. Due to ongoing maintenance issues and Australia's move to cleaner energy, the Yallourn Mine intends to shut down permanently as of 2028. Soon after gold was discovered in 1851, Victoria’s Governor La Trobe wrote to the Colonial Office in London, urging ‘the propriety of selecting and appointing as Mineral Surveyor for this Colony a gentleman possessed of the requisite qualifications and acquaintance with geological science and phenomena’. Alfred Selwyn was appointed geological surveyor in Australia in 1852 which began the Geological Survey of Victoria. In 1853-69 the Geological Survey issued under Selwyn's direction sixty-one geological maps and numerous reports; they were of such high standard that a writer in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London bracketed the survey with that of the United States of America as the best in the world. During his years spent in Australia, Selwyn collected numerous significant geological specimens, examples of which are held in collections such as the Burke Museum.Brown coal is considered to be an essential rock to Australia's energy consumption. Although plentiful in sources, Brown Coal is not able to be exported overseas due to its high moisture content. As Australia moves towards cleaner energy, Brown Coal is going become less used. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid hand-sized sedimentary rock that is a dark shade of brown.13 / BROWN COAL / Showing Woody structure / Locality: Yallourn, Vic. | Label probably / correct but / can't find reference / no. 13 to match in / registers. / C Willman / 15/4/21burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, yallourn, yallourn mine, victoria, coal, brown coal, brown coal specimen, alfred selwyn, geological survey of victoria, geological survey, yallourn power station -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Jaspar related ?
... Geological Specimen... Jaspar related ? Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, jaspar -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Patterned Jaspar
... Geological Specimen... Patterned Jaspar Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, patterned jaspar -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Slabbed Green Jaspar
... Geological Specimen... Slabbed Green Jaspar Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, green jaspar -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Black Gothite and Calcite, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
... Geological Specimen... Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School of Mines. rocks geology ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, black gothite and calcite, flinders ranges -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Tourmaline in Calcite
... Geological Specimen... Tourmaline in Calcite Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, tourmaline, calcit -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Kyanite
... Geological Specimen... Kyanite Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School of Mines ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, kyanite -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Pyrite Crystalization on Feldspar with Bornite
... Geological Specimen... Specimen From the Ballarat School of Mines. rocks geology pyrite ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, pyrite crystalization, feldspar, borinite -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Barite
... Geological Specimen... Barite Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School of Mines ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, barite -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Mica in Feldspar
... Geological Specimen... Mica in Feldspar Geological Specimen From the Ballarat School ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, mica, feldspar -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Azurite and Malachite, Burra, South Australia
... Geological Specimen... Azurite and Malachite, Burra, South Australia Geological Specimen ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, azurite, malachite, burra -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Galena Crystal Form, Broken Hill, New South Wales
... Geological Specimen... Specimen From the Ballarat School of Mines. rocks geology galena ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological Specimenrocks, geology, galena crystal, broken hill -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Mica Schist With Form of Mineral Included
... Geological specimen... Mica Schist With Form of Mineral Included Geological specimen ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological specimenrocks, geology, mica schist -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Banded Sandston - Hemimorphite, Schistosity
... Geological specimen... Banded Sandston - Hemimorphite, Schistosity Geological specimen ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Geological specimenrocks, geology -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Coorongite
... geological specimen...Geological specimen... on to collect geological samples and catalogue thousands of specimens...-country Coorongite Geological specimen Three solid varyingly hand ...Coorongite is a dark, rubber-like, highly resilient structureless algal deposit. In the Coorong district of South Australia it occurs in moderate quantities associated with the coastal swamps and sand dunes which extend for a considerable distance east of the mouth of the Murray. This particular specimen was recovered from the south of the Coorong River, South Australia. A type of sediment rich in organic matter, Coorongite is the unlithified end-member of the sapropelic coal series. The members of the sapropelic coal series can be ranked in order as sapropel (the unlithified form), sapropelic-lignite, and sapropelic-coal (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Sapropel (Coorongite) is an unlithified dark, pulpy, fine organic mud containing concentrations of algae and miospores that are more or less identifiable. Coorongite is typically found as an algae like substance, that can be found in irregular size pieces. Coorongite was believed to be dried up oil due to its rubber-like texture. The Coorongite is also soft to the point where it can be cut into with a knife or it can be broken and torn by hand. Otherwise known as 'Kurangk', the Coorong River is home to the Ngarrindjeri people, which acts as both a place for gathering food and a spiritual place. In 1852 the first sight of Coorongite was found along the Coorong River. The finders mistook the Coorongite for dried up oil, which lead to the belief that there were oil reserves under the Coorong River. Between the 1860s and the 1930s the Coorong River became a place where mining oil and Coorongite became precedent. Nowadays, the local council and the South Australian Government are working together with the Ngarrindjeri people to sustain and preserve the Coorong River and the culture that is with it. Soon after gold was discovered in 1851, Victoria’s Governor La Trobe wrote to the Colonial Office in London, urging ‘the propriety of selecting and appointing as Mineral Surveyor for this Colony a gentleman possessed of the requisite qualifications and acquaintance with geological science and phenomena’. Alfred Selwyn was appointed geological surveyor in Australia in 1852 which began the Geological Survey of Victoria. Selwyn went on to collect geological samples and catalogue thousands of specimens around Australia. In 1853-69 the Geological Survey issued under Selwyn's direction sixty-one geological maps and numerous reports; they were of such high standard that a writer in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London bracketed the survey with that of the United States of America as the best in the world. During his years spent in Australia, Selwyn collected numerous significant geological specimens, examples of which are held in collections such as the Burke Museum.Coorongite is considered to be a mineral with a unique texture, where it can be both hard and soft. Coorongite can also be considered to be a rare mineral, as it is only located along the Coorong River and due to the mining of it, has left very few sources. It was believed at one point that Coorongite could be used to replace oil. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Three solid varyingly hand-sized pieces of wooden appearing organic matter derived from the river in the Coorong District in South Australia. A rubber-like, highly resilient structureless algal deposit.Specimen 245 page 69 / in Descriptive Register / "Elcestic Bitumen, / Coorangite" South of / Coorung River, South Australia . / C. WIllman / 15/4/21burke museum, beechwoth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineraology, coorong, coorong river, kurangk, ngarrindjeri, south australia, coorongite, coorongite specimen -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Opal Potch, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
... Four geological specimens... specimens From the Ballarat School of Mines. rocks geology opal ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Four geological specimensrocks, geology, opal potch, lightening ridge -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Calcite
... Two geological Specimen of Calcite.... Calcite Two geological Specimen of Calcite. From the Ballarat ...From the Ballarat School of Mines.Two geological Specimen of Calcite.rocks, geology, calcite -
Federation University Historical Collection
Rocks, Galena Crystal Form, Broken Hill, New South Wales
... Three geological Specimens, with some breakaways.... geological Specimens, with some breakaways. Very good samples from ...Very good samples from the Ballarat School of Mines.Three geological Specimens, with some breakaways.rocks, geology, galena crystal form, browken hill -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Ropy Lava
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Ropy Lava Geological specimen Hand sized specimen in brown ...‘Ropy lava’ is known for its sculptural and layered qualities. It occurs in specific lava flows that are slow moving and slow cooling, allowing for unique formations to be created out of the motion. Ropy Lava is a flow that has a hardened crust with molten material underneath, the tension between these states is what creates its characteristic form. The brown/red hue of the stone is an indication of age, as it is oxidised iron deposits. This rock deposit is thought to be sourced from the area by Talbot, in western Victoria. This area has a rich mineral history and experienced the gold rush in the 1850's. The traditional owners of this area are the Dja Dja Wurrung people.This geological specimen shows the conditions in which the Australian landscape was created as well as provides an indication as to how these events occurred. It is representative of a common natural process that contextualises the formation of Australia with the formation of other landmasses. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Hand sized specimen in brown/red hues42 / victoria, talbot, lava, ropy, ropy lava, mineral, geological specimen, geological, geological heritage, natural stone, natural history -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Native (metallic) copper, Unknown
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...Native (metallic) copper Geological specimen A small, palm ...This specimen is a native copper specimen that is metallic. Copper is typically found in the earth's crust and is often found alongside other metals such as gold, zinc, lead and silver which all belong to the same group which is the Copper/Gold group. Copper is most commonly formed from large masses of molten lava rock which has solidified in the earth's crust and over time though different sizes and speeds of crystal growth has turned into large amounts of copper, stored in porphyry copper deposits. Copper has a distinctive colour, yet can sometime appear blue and greenish which is often caused by oxidisation or a mixture of copper and other metals. This specific specimen was recovered from Moonta, South Australia. The Moonta Mining Company was established in 1861, after a Shepard in the area noticed traces of copper. This lead to a rush in the copper mining industry which was relatively young in Australia at the time, making Moonta Mining Company one of the richest in Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia had been nicknamed the "Copper Kingdom" due to its vast amount of Large copper mines and resources. As of 2016, Australia was the second largest producer of Copper internationally, following behind Chile in first place. This copper specimen is significant historically and scientifically as it is such an important metal commonly used throughout the world in various ways. Copper is an invaluable recourse used in daily life, used in most electrical appliances as it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, as well as being soft and malleable, making it easy to bend and mould into delicate sheets and wires. Copper does not corrode and is therefore used in the production of water pipes among countless other significant necessities that are often overlooked in our society. Historically, Copper holds great significance as it was the first metal used by humans. It was discovered roughly 9000 years ago and was utilised by the Neolithic Man who learnt that heating the metal made it more malleable, thus tools and utensils were made which were far superior to the previous stone tools used by humans. This history and its connection to the current and ongoing relationship between humans and copper must be preserved and highlighted as it is integral to the history of all humankind. A small, palm-sized solid native copper mineral specimen with shades of browns, black and rustic tones throughout the specimen.NATIVE (metalic) COPPER / Locality: Moonta, South Australiabeechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, native specimen, geological, mineral, mineralogy, indigo shire, beechworth museum, copper, copper ore -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Malachite, Unknown
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...Malachite Geological specimen A hand-sized solid copper ...This specimen is a copper-carbonate malachite mineral. It is often found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, which have a banded agate-like appearance while also commonly found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals. Malachite is often bright green in colour, with dark green and blackish blooms or stripes/bands throughout the mineral. This particular specimen was recovered from the Burra Burra Copper Mine located Burra, South Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia was known as the "Copper Kingdom" due to its large amount of copper mines and huge success in the copper mining industry. Burra Burra was no exception to this phenomena, as this mining company was greatly famous and successful, being nicknamed the "Monster Mine". It was first established in 1848 and was the largest metal mine in Australia up until 1860. This specimen is significant as it highlights the historic use and value of malachite and the rarity of the mineral. Malachite is a rare gemstone which has been used in various ways historically. It has been cut and sculpted into beads for jewellery use as its rich colour and distinct yet unique patterns have made it a well sought after gemstone. Its' continued use over time only heightens the value and significance of this mineral.A hand-sized solid copper-carbonate hydroxide mineral specimen in shades of blue, green and copper tones throughout.MALACHITE / (Copper carbonite) / Locality: Burra, South Aust. | Malachite / Burra Burra / South Australia / (good specimen) / needs a wash / BBburke museum, burke museum collection, beechworth museum, beechworth, geological specimen, geological, mineral, mineraology, copper carbonate, malachite, burra burra mine, copper mining -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Smoky quartz crystals, unknown
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Smoky quartz crystals Geological specimen A large hand ...Quartz is an extremely common mineral to find across the world. Quartz can have two forms; Microcrystalline quartz or Crystalline quartz. Microcrystalline quartz is a fine grain quartz where crystalline quartz is often a large crystal. This specimen is a crystalline quartz. Made of silicon oxide, this specimen is called smokey quartz crystals because of its brownish colour. However, the colour of quartz can vary. In addition, quartz are formed in deep-seated igneous rocks and crystallized through hot aqueous solutions. This type of crystal can be found all over Australia, including Beechworth in Victoria. Other places quartz can be found is the Ashburton River area in Western Australia, Marlborough in Queensland, the Lune River area in Tasmania and Kingsgate in New South Wales. This specimen is significant because it is common to find this kind of mineral. While the location of where this specimen was originally from is unknown, it highlights the many places in Australia where quartz is found. It demonstrates that quartz makes up a large portion of Australia's geology. In addition, quartz itself can vary in its colour and shape. This specimen represents one of these variations. That being smoky quartz crystals. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A large hand-sized quartz mineral with shades of brown and gray throughout.Smoky quartz / crystals /locality/ unknown / (needs a wash) /BBgeological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, microcrystalline, quartz, quartz mining, quartz reefs beechworth, smokey quartz crystals, crystals, crystalline, silicon oxide, brown, colour, igneous rocks, magma, ashburton river, western australia, marlborough, queensland, lune river, tasmania, kingsgate, new south wales, nsw -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Fossil Leaves
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Fossil Leaves Geological specimen Piece of light brown ...A fossil refers to any remains or traces of past life that are preserved in the rock. It could be remains of plants or animals. Fossil leaves are commonly found on different types of rocks. These fossils can go as far back as the Triassic Age just like the series of fossil plants collected at Denmark Hill, Ipswich in Queensland. Fossils leaves are formed when dead plants get buried by sediments like mud, sand, or volcanic ash. Often, it gets detached cleanly from stems along a special layer of weak cells, then twigs, and, less commonly, cones of conifers and fruits and seeds of flowering plants. Over time, the leaves or pieces of leaves get buried by more sediments and eventually gets 'lithified' or hardened into a rock. Erosions and mining can cause the rocks to break and reveal the fossils buried in it. Fossilisation frequently takes place at sites in the lowlands where deposits of clay, silt, sand are found. This is usually due to weathering and erosion of rocks. Fossil leaves can provide information about ancient Australia's way of living. It contributes to Victorian biodiversity records and its botanical collections. It also contributes information on the geographical profile of Victoria as fossilisation usually occur at estuaries and deltas of rivers, river flood plains, ponds and lakes. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Piece of light brown rock with fossilised leaves in shades of golden yellow and brown.Existing label: Fossil Leaves / Locality unknown / might be worth checking if this is Glossopteris, a Permian age plant. / C. William 16/4/21 geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, fossil leaves, fossilization, 1868 geological survey of victoria, lithified, rocks, fossilised leaf, rock, fossils, leaves -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Common Opal, unknown
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Common Opal Geological specimen A palm-sized amorphous ...Common Opal is a mineraloid that is non crystallising and is classed as an amorphous silicate, the chemical composition for Opal is SiO2 nH2O. Opals can develop in weathered sedimentary rock typical in arid regions where limited water enters small gaps in the rock, and the silicate is hydrated. Common opals, unlike precious opals, do not exhibit ‘play of colour’ in which the colour appears to change depending on the angle of view. While precious opals are highly valuable and cut as gemstones for jewellery, common opals can be cut into inexpensive gemstones and are also mined for various uses including as ingredients in ceramics, insulation, fillers, and abrasives. The source of this common opal specimen is unknown, but common opals are found around the world, notable deposits are found in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Peru, Kenya, Nevada, Oregon, and Mexico. This common opal specimen is of historic and scientific significance due to its donation in 1868 as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria and as a typical example of uncut common opal. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A palm-sized amorphous (non-crystallising) hydrated silicate mineraloid specimen in shades of brown, orange, and white.Existing label: Common Opal / Locality unknowngeological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, common opal, opal, mineraloid, amorphous silicates, hydrated silicate -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Dolomite
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Dolomite Geological specimen Hand-sized piece of pale pink ...Dolomite is a mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, with the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. It is a principle component of various rock types sometimes also referred to as dolomite, including dolostone, dolomitic marble and dolomitic limestone (according to the composition of each type). Dolomite rock is found in sedimentary basins throughout the world, comprising approximately 2% of the Earth's crust. It is formed when lime mud or limestone encounters groundwater containing magnesium. Dolomite can contain elements such as lead, zinc and copper. Dolomite and limestone are used in various construction, landscaping and agricultural processes. This specimen was donated to the Burke Museum in 1868 by Alfred Selwyn as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria. It was donated to the Museum in 1868. Victoria and other regions of Australia were surveyed for sites of potential mineral wealth throughout the 19th Century. The identification of sites containing valuable commodities such as gold, iron ore and gemstones in a locality had the potential to shape the development and history of communities and industries in the area. The discovery of gold in Victoria, for instance, had a significant influence on the development of the area now known as 'the goldfields', including Beechworth; the city of Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. Dolomite and limestone are mined at several locations in Victoria, including sites in the North-East of the state in Bindi and Limestone Creek. There are notable dolomite deposits in most Australian states. The dolomitised form of the mineral tends to come from older limestone deposits, formed during the palaeozoic era in marine settings, so this specimen may have come from a deposit located along a coastline in Victoria or another state. The specimen is significant as an example of surveying activity undertaken to assess and direct the development of the mineral resource industries in Victoria and Australia, as well as the movement to expand human knowledge of earth sciences such as mineralogy and geology in the nineteenth century. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Hand-sized piece of pale pink dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate) with dark grey rim and hollowed centre. geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, dolomite, mineralogy, geological survey, alfred selwyn, limestone, calcium magnesium carbonate -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Kaolin, unknown
... Geological Specimen...Geological specimen...-country Kaolin Geological specimen Two pieces of Kaolinite mineral ...Kaolin is also known as china clay. This specimen came from Dunolly, Victoria and was donated to the Museum in 1868 as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria. This survey helped map and study the geology of Victoria. In Victoria, Kaolin is particularly used as a filler and coating material in paper manufacture. It can also be used in paints, ceramics, rubbers and plastics. There are many kaolin deposits in Victoria but many of these have been mined out and there is not much Kaolin left. Rocks that have a high amount of Kaolinite and it can be formed through the decomposition of other materials. There are two types of Kaolin; hard and soft kaolin. Soft kaolin's are coarse but have a soapy texture. It can also break easily. The hard kaolins have an earthly texture and are finer grained. This means that they are harder to break, unlike the soft kaolin. Hard kaolin's are formed by flocculation in salt water, a process that in basic terms, bonds particles together. Kaolin is a common material in Victoria and that is why it is significant. While this specimen was mined in Dunolly, Victoria Kaolin can also be found Pittong, Pakenham, Bulla, Hallam and Ballarat as well as many other places throughout Victoria. This specimen represents the presence of Kaolin deposits in this region of Australia. It is also significant because Kaolin has many uses and is largely beneficial to many manufacturing processes in Victoria. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Two pieces of Kaolinite mineral with shades of white and graygeological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, kaolin, china clay, dunolly, geological survey of victoria, kaolinite, victoria, mining, mining deposits, geology of victoria, australia, filler, coating material, paper manufacture, paint, ceramics, rubbers, plastics, decomposition, materials, soft kaolin, hard kaolin, flocculation, particles, salt water