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Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph (black & white), Ferdinand Moritz Krause
Civil engineer and geologist Ferdinand Moritz Krause lecturered at the Ballarat School of Mines from 1880 to 1895. He was born at Kassel, Germany on 24 February 1841, the youngest son of Frederich Wilhelm Krause. Ferdinand Krause married Amy Augusta Dimock. He died in South Africa 16 June 1918. In June 1880 Krausé was appointed to the Ballarat School of Mines as lecturer in 'geology, palaeontology, mineralogy, electricity, magnetism, scientific mining, geological and topographical surveying' and as museum curator. In 1881 he was appointed Professor of Geology and in 1892 was elected president of the Staff Association. He was held in high repute by his students and also known as a keen musician. He resigned from the School of Mines to be lecturer in mining at the University of Melbourne from June 1895 to January 1897. Whilst at Ballarat in 1887-90 he had completed geological maps and reports on the parishes of Haddon, Carngham, Scarsdale, Lillerie, Smythesdale and Comeralghip; these were published in 1898. The Institute of Surveyors elected him a member in 1891. His Introduction to the study of Mineralogy for Australian readers was published in Melbourne in 1896. In January 1897 he became manager of the General Gordon mine near Kalgoorlie. In 1900 he contributed an article to the Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine on the mining geology of Kalgoorlie. Invited by a former student, George Denny, Krausé left for South Africa in 1901. His last work was a geological map of the Barberton area, Transvaal, published in March 1918. He died on 16 June, survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. (http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/krause-ferdinand-moritz-3971, accessed 20 November 2018) Black and White photograph of the head and shoulders of Professor Ferdinand Krause of the Ballarat School of Mines.ballarat school of mines, ferdinand krause, geology, fm krause, krause, ballarat school of mines museum -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - Notes on Bogong High Plains by E. J. Minty, Notes on Bogong High Plains by E. J. Minty
The book includes detailed accounts in 4 sections of 1. History and Exploration 2. General Geology 3. Vegetation and slide set index 4. Climate ...Important knowledge/study for the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme on the Bogong High Plains.Cream cardboard cover book with black spiral binding. Title printed in black on cover. 46 pages printed on both sides includes diagrams. Clear blue plastic sheet as last page.e. j. minty, bogong high plains, kiewa hydro electric scheme -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph (Black & White), Ballarat School of Mines Chemistry Room, c 1900
This image was taken at the height of the Ballarat school of Mines world wide fame.Black and white photograph mounted onto green card showing an interior chemistry classroom at the Ballarat school of Mines. Chemicals and apparatus line one wall, and geological specimens are housed in glass cases. Posters line the wall. On lower section of photograph 'Section Chemistry Room S.M.B. mines Dept Vic.ballarat school of mines, mines department, geology, chemisty -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Gary Presland, "The Place for a Village", 2008
"The Place for a Village" plus "how nature has shaped the City Of Melbourne" by Gary Presland. 265 page hard back book with green dustcover illustrating early Melbourne (1800s). Emphasis: Geology, climate, flora, faunaaustralian aborigines, natural environment, flora, melbourne, natural environment - fauna, gary presland -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Malachite in Conglomerate, Unknown
... geological ...Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral and was one of the first ores used to make copper metal. Malachite has been utilised as a gemstone and sculptural material in the past as its distinctive green color does not fade when exposed to light or after long periods of time. Malachite is formed at shallow depths in the ground, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits. The material has also been used as a pigment for painting throughout history. Malachite is considered a rare gemstone in that the original deposits for the stones have been depleted leaving behind very few sources. In addition, the use of Malachite as gemstones and sculptural materials remains just as popular today as they were throughout history. It is quite common to cut the stone into beads for jewellery. The fact that Malachite has such a rich colour and one that does not fade with time or when exposed to light makes it particularly rare. Although there is no indication available of the locality from which the specimen was sourced, it is likely that the specimen was collected either in South Australia in the vicinity of the Burra Burra mines or in Victoria as part of programs of geological surveying undertaken in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. 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 copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with quartz pebbles in red conglomorate matrix presenting shades of cream, brown and green.Existing label: Malachite / (green) in / conglomerate / (white quartz / pebbles / in red matrix /geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, geological, indigo shire, malachite, malachite specimen, australian mines, mines, geological survey, conglomorate, matrix -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines Student's Magazine, Second Term, 1904
Table of contents: Editorial, Victorian School of Mines, Extraction of copper, The Diehl process, Analysis of materials used in assaying, Definitions of electrical terms, Mine managers - Practical and Unpractical, Geology at Lake Burrumbeet, Smelting argentiferous lead, Geology notes, Nature - Aphorisms by Goethe, Our illustrations, The estimation of a girl, The abolition of thunderstorms, Send-off to Messers L. Smith and S. Austin, Students' annual reunion, Correspondence, Past students, Diplomas and Certificates, Sports, News and notes, Editorial notes.Pale gray booklet of 18 pagesballarat school of mines, students' magazine, stephen hart, l. smith, s. austin, past students, f. a. marriott, l. j. lambert, h. krause, nettle, h. irwin,, a. atkins, l. seal, t. davis, r. robin, b. roy, d. elder, w. b. blyth, a. gillespie, j. huston, k. moore, obituary, alfred g. johnstone, cecil s. wakley., r. o. inglis, g. w. cornell, s. austin, s. g. turrell, l. seward, j. burrows, w. j. lakeland, douglas runting, godfrey s. hart, latham watson, samuel j. lindsay -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Greenstone / Gabbro, Unknown
This specimen was recovered from Ceres West of Geelong, Victoria. Greenstone is the name for any metamorphosed basic igneous rock (in the case of this specimen, Gabbro) that gains its greenish colour to the presence of the minerals chlorite, actinolite, or epidote, hence the term 'green' and 'stone'. Greenstone is often formed through metamorphsis along a convergent plate boundary. In the rock cycle (the series of processes that creates the various types of rocks) there are identified three different types of rocks, which are the sedimentary, the igneous and the metamorphic. Metamorphic rocks started out as sedimentary, igneous or earlier metamorphic rocks but changed from their original condition under the effect of high heat, high pressure or hot, mineral-rich fluid. However, if pressure or heat is too high, then the rock will melt, resulting in the formation of an igneous rock. The name used to describe these types of rocks reflects this specific inherent trait of change, since the word “metamorphic” derives from the Greek word “metamorphosis”, meaning “change of form or structure”. Metamorphic rocks form in the Earth`s crust but can be also found on the surface, due to elevation of the Earth`s surface. They are divided into two categories: the foliated metamorphic and the non-foliated metamorphic rocks. Gabbro is a highly useful mineral that is often polished to create cemetery markers and kitchen benches. It is notable for its qualities of durability, being able to withstand extreme elements and wear. Whilst not rare, Gabbro is of great utility and has been highly desirable for its qualities. 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.Greenstone is a solid hand-sized metamorphic mineral of a green colour. Greenstone is the name for any metamorphosed basic igneous rock (in the case of this specimen, Gabbro) that gains its greenish colour to the presence of the minerals chlorite, actinolite, or epidote, hence the term 'green' and 'stone'. Gabbro is a medium to coarse grained rocks that consist primarily of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. Greenstone is often formed through metamorphsis along a convergent plate boundary. Gabbro forms due to cooling and crystallization of magma underneath Earth's surface. Greenstone/Gabbro/from Ceres west/of Geelong. Has old Geological Survey label/and probably collected by/Richard Daintree in 1861/C.Willam 15/4/21/ Other label: 62 /greenstone, metamorphosed, igneous rock, gabbro, chlorite, actinolite, epidote, metamorphsis, rock cycle, various types of rocks, sedimentary, high heat, high pressure, mineral-rich fluid, metamorphosis, foliated metamorphic, non-foliated metamorphic, convergent plate boundary, greenish colour, minerals -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - BOOK: THE WELCOME STRANGER - A DEFINITIVE ACCOUNT OF THE WORLDS LARGEST ALLUVIAL GOLD NUGGET, 1999
Softcover book with gold coloured cover with a sketch of the Welcome Stranger nugget on the front and a blurb on the back. Contains 50 pages covering the history, myths, geology, details of the discoverers and the discovery of the nuggett. Contains black and white photographs and sketches.Terry F Pottergold -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - MINING & GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. VOL,2.NO.4, 1941
Mining & Geological Journal, Vol.2,No.4. March 1941. Published by Dept of Mines Victoria, 256 pages of articles on mining & minerals with photographs, illustrations, maps & advertisements. Name on cover A.Richardson 29 Harrison St Bendigo.Dept of Mines Victoriagold mines, mining, mining - mines - mining equipment, bendigo mines. -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Pitt M W and Synan T P, The Past Present and Future of the Gippsland Lakes, 1987
Edited account of the papers presented at the Save the Gippsland Lakes Committees symposium on Lake Wellington and Lake Coleman held in Sale, November 1986. Includes history, geology, flora and fauna, and the many aspects of human impact on the region. Ilwaterways, government -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Land Conservation Council Victoria South Gippsland Area District 2, 1980
Report describing and assessing the natural resources of the public land in the South Gippsland (Victoria) Study Area 2, comprising the Latrobe Valley, Strzelecki Range, South Gippsland coastal plains and all of Wilson's Promontory. History, Geology, floRuth Clarkgippsland, topography, natural history, vegetation -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: THE REDESDALE GOLDFIELD, 1909
1909 report from the Department of Mines Geological Survey on the Redesdale Goldfield by E. J. Dunn. F.G.S. Reefs mentioned are the Horseshoe Bend Reef, Linda Reef, Bill Smith's workings, the Ben Guy Reef and the Amelia ReefDepartment of Minesgold mining, miners' safety cage, redesdale goldfield, gold mining, redesdale. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book - Booklet, Gary Presland, Booklet titled 'The Whitehorse Landscape' as seen by the first settlers by Gary Presland, 2011. Contains photographs of flora and fauna plus details of the local weather and geology, 2011
The Whitehorse Landscape as seen by the first settlers contains elements of natural history, geology, weather, local hydrology, vegetation and Fauna. With list of sources, glossary of terms and index. With photographs.25 page booklet, indexed. White covers with picture on front and embedded in the text. +Additional Keywords: Presland, GaryThe Whitehorse Landscape' -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Coastal Western Victoria, Graham Patterson, Coastal Guide to Nature and History 3 Western Victoria, 2022
Description of Western Victorian Coast from Point Lonsdale to South Australian BorderThis is a book of 188 pages. The cover has colour photographs and printing in red and white. The pages contain printed text, maps and illustrations, and black and white and colour photographsnon-fictionDescription of Western Victorian Coast from Point Lonsdale to South Australian Borderwestern victoria coastline, graham patterson, warrnambool, shipwreck coast -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Mining Engineers Handbook Volume 1 & 2, 1941
The book was used by Charles Bacon who studied at the University of Nevada in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Bacon worked at Bunker Hill Mines and Kellogg Idaho, before arriving in Australian in 1951. He worked for CN Myers, a company involved with paper converting. CN Myers was a family business (on Charles Bacon's maternal line). Robert Peele was Professor Emeritus of mining Engineering at the School of Mines, Columbia University.Maroon hardcovered books. .1) Volume 1 - Chapters include Mineralogy, Geology and Mineral Deposits, Earth Excavation, Explosives, Rock Excavation, Tunneling, Shaft Sinking in Rock, Shaft sinking in Unstable and Waterbearing Ground, Boring, Underground Transport, Mine Ventilation. .2) Volume 2 - Chapers include Compressed Air Practice, Electric Power for mine Service, Surveying,Underground Surveying, Mine Geologic Maps and models, Cost of mining, Mining Laws, Ore sampling, Assaying, Aerial Tramways and Cableways, Gold Amalgamation and Cyanidation, etc.Inside front cover "Charles Bacon"charles bacon, mining engineering, mining, engineering, university of nevada, mackay school of mines, explosives, timbering -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CAROL HOLSWORTH COLLECTION: GEOLOGICAL REPORT BENDIGO GOLDFIELD
Four page document, an extract from the Geological Report on the Bendigo Goldfield. On front page, a line drawing of a puddling machine. Contents include: alluvial mining, reef mining, the boom years, deep sinking, decline of mining, modern exploration, physiography, the hills, the valleys and the soils. A table demonstrates the development of graptolite structures, including the Lancefieldian, Bendigonian, Chewtonian and Castlemainian graptolite species. Two diagrams demonstrate saddle and bedded reefs and fault reefs. Written on top of the document: C.E. William and H.E. Wilkinson, 1992. Geological Survey Report No. 93.bendigo, mining, geological bulletin 93 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - HUSTLER'S REEF & HUSTLER'S REEF NO 1 MINES - PLAN OF THE HUSTLER'S REEF & HUSTLER'S REEF NO 1 MINES
Plan of the Hustler's Reef & Hustler's Reef No 1 Mines on the Hustler's Line of Reefs Bulletin No 33, Plate No XV. Plan shows the two mines with depth of levels, geological features and levels in relation to the shaft. Geological Survey of Victoria emblem and signed by H A Whitelaw, Underground Survey Office Bendigo, September 1913. Note - The Lease Boundaries shown on this plan are only in their approximate relative positions to Nos 13, Intermediate and 14 Levels of the Hustler's Reef No 1 workings, and Nos 15, 16 and 17 Levels of the Hustler's Reef workings.mining, parish map, hustler's reef & hustler's reef no 1 mines, plan of the hustler's reef & hustler's reef no 1 mines, geological survey of victoria, underground survey office bendigo, h a whitelaw, hustler's line of reefs -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - HUSTLER'S REEF NO 1 MINE - TRANSVERSE SECTION OF THE HUSTLER'S REEF NO 1 MINE
Map of a transverse Section of the Hustler's Reef No 1 Mine on the hustler's Line of Reefs Bulletin No 33, Plate No XXI. Map shows poppet legs at 801.07 feet above Sea Level and drawing of shaft with the different levels. Also shown are geological features and stone encountered. Geological Survey of Victoria emblem H Herman, Director, W Dickson, Secretary of Mines and The Hon. J. Drysdale Brown MLC Minister of Mines. Signed by H S Whitelaw, Underground Survey Office Bendigo, September, 1913. This item has not been scanned or photographed.mining, parish map, hustler's reef no 1 mine, hustler's line of reefs, transverse section of the hustler's reef no 1 mine, geological survey of victoria, underground survey office bendigo, h s whitelaw, h herman, w dickson, the hon j drysdale brown -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - HUSTLER'S ROYAL RESERVE NO 2 CO - TRANSVERSE SECTION OF THE HUSTLER'S ROYAL RESERVE NO 2 CO
Transverse Section of the Hustler's Royal Reserve No 2 Co Mine on the Hustler's Line of Reef Bendigo, Bulletin No 33, Plate No VII. Section shows the poppet legs and the sill of Shaft at 707.65 ft above sea level, depth of levels, stone encountered and geological features. Geological Survey of Victoria emblem. H. Herman Director, W. Dickson Secretary of Mines and The Hon. J. Drysdale Brown MLC, Minister of Mines. Signed by H S Whitelaw, Underground Survey Office Bendigo, September 1913. This item has not been scanned or photographed.mining, parish map, hustler's royal reserve no 2 co, transverse section of the hustler's royal reserve no 2 co, h s whitelaw, undergrou;nd survey office bendigo, geological survey of victoria, h herman, w dickson, the hon. j drysdale brown mlc -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - HUSTLER'S ROYAL RESERVE NO 2 (PARK SHAFT.) - TRANSVERSE SECTION OF THE HUSTLER'S ROYAL RESERVE NO 2
Transverse section of the Hustler's Royal Reserve, No 2 (Park Shaft.) on the Hustler's Line of Reef. Bulletin No 33, Plate No IX. Section shows poppet legs and sill of shaft at 755.70 ft above sea level, depth of levels, type of stone encountered including lava and geological features. Geological Survey of Victoria emblem and beneath it H. Herman, Director, W. Dickson, Secretary of Mines and The Hon. J. Drysdale Brown MLC Minister of Mines and signed by H S Whitelaw, Underground Survey Office, Bendigo September, 1913.mining, parish map, hustler's royal reserve no 2 (park shaft.), transverse section of the hustler's royal reserve no 2 (park shaft.), h s whitelaw, underground survey office bendigo, geological survey of victoria, h herman, w dickson, the hon j drysdale brown mlc, hustler's line of reef -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - MINING & GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL VOL.2, NO 4, 1941
Mining & Geological Journal, March 1941, Vol.2, No.4. Published by Department of Mines Victoria, 136 pages of Mine Reports, articles on mines, photographs, illustrations, maps & advertisements. Name on cover A.Richardson 29 Harrison St Bendigo.Dept of Mines Victoriagold mines, mining, mining - mines - mining equipment, axedale - fletchers mine. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - DEPARTMENT OF MINES 1914 BULLETINS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF VICTORIA NO. 33. HUSTLER'S LINE OF REEF, BENDIGO, 1914
Department of Mines 1914 Bulletins of the Geological Survey of Victoria No. 33. Hustler's Line of Reef, Bendigo. Photos of the mines on the Hustler's Line of Reef. 59 pages plus 7 pages of photos. Inscribed A. Richardson 29 Harrison street, BendigoDepartment of Mines.bendigo, mining, hustler's line of reef, mining, and hustler's reef mines. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - MINING & GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. VOL,4. NO.3, 1951
Mining and Geological Journal, Vol.4, No.3. March 1951. Published by Department of Mines Victoria with articles on Mines & mining including Bendigo mines with Photographs, Illustrations, Maps & Advertisements. Name on front A.Richardson 29 Harrison St Bendigo.Dept of Mines Victoria.gold mines, mining, mining - mines - mining equipment, central deborah mine. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - MINING & GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. VOL.S,NO.6, 1942
Mining & Geological Journal, Vol.2, No.6. March 1942. Published by Department of Mines Victoria, with articles on mines and mining including Bendigo mines, Photographs, Illustrations, Maps & Advertisements. Name on cover A Richardson 29 Harrison St Bendigo.Dept of Mines Victoriagold mines, mining, mining - mines - mining equipment. bendigo mines. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - MINING & GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL VOL.2, NO2, 1940
Mining & Geological Journal, January 1940, Vol.2, No.2. Published by Department of Mines Victoria, 136 pages of Mine Reports, articles on mines, photographs, illustrations, maps & advertisements. Name on cover A.Richardson 29 Harrison St Bendigo.Dept of Mines Victoriagold mines, mining, mining - mines - mining equipment, axedale - fletchers mine. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CAROL HOLSWORTH COLLECTION: GEOLOGICAL REPORT BENDIGO GOLDFIELD BULLETIN 43
Four page document Geological Report Bendigo Goldfield, C.E. Willman and H.E. Wilkinson. Contents include: folds, cleavage, lineations, lineated quartz in laminated veins, faults, major and minor faults, joints, structural domains and relationship to mineralization.bendigo, mining, geological bulletin -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Plan, Loder & Bayly, Heidelberg: Historic River Landscape Assessment, 1982
Gwen McWilliam is well known as an authority on the history of Boroondara and the author of a large number of books and pamphlets about the City. She was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in 2001 ‘for service to the community of Hawthorn and district, particularly through the research, documentation and publication of its history.’ This map from her collection was donated to the Kew Historical SocietyPlan of Heidelberg, annotated with details about the occupancy pre and post European settlement. The plan also contains geological references. The plan is included and analysed in volume 2 of the Heidelberg Conservation Study (1985). The original plan was published created in 1982. Printed annotationscity of heidelberg, yarra valley, historic plans -- heidelberg -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Dr Charles Fenner, Principal Ballarat School of Mines, 1914-1916
Charles Fenner graduated in Science with honours and Diploma of Education in Melbourne. He became Principal of Ballarat School of MInes in 1914 and moved from there in 1916. Lectured in Geology at the Ballarat School of Mines.Photographic portrait of a male wearing glasses. charles fenner, ballarat school of mines, geology -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Precious Opal
... geological ...In Australia, precious opal is found in Cretaceous age sandstones and mudstones. These sedimentary rocks were deeply weathered and this weathering released silica into the groundwater.Australia is the only part of the world where opalised animal and plant fossils have been found. Opal artefacts several thousands of years old have been discovered in East Africa. As early as 250 BC the Romans prized opals, thought to have come from mines in Eastern Europe, the ancient world's main source of opals. There are many aboriginal dreamtime stories that feature opal. Australian opals discovered during the late 1800's found little favour with European markets but their commercial value increased in the 1900's and in 1932 Australia took over as the major producer of opals in the world and remains the largest producer to this day. Opal is found around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Honduras and the western US) however Australia produces 95% of the world's precious opal and it is our official national gemstone. Opal was first mined commercially at Listowel Downs in Queensland in 1875 and later at White Cliffs in NSW. Today, Coober Pedy (SA) is the main producer of white opal, though in recent years this field has expanded and all types of opals are found. Other centres in SA include Andamooka and Mintabe. Lightning Ridge (NSW) is renowned for black opal and formerly White Cliffs was a large producer of high quality opal. Boulder opals (opals in concretionary ironstone) are mined in Queensland from numerous localities in a zone extending from the Eulo and Cunnamulla district in the south and northwest for a distance of over 700 km to Kynuna in the north. The towns of Quilpie, Yowah and Winton are the main opal mining and wholesale centres. Opals are considered gemstones and have been used in jewellery for thousands of years.Throughout much of history, opals were actually believed to be good luck. The Romans thought that opals were one of the luckiest gemstones and a symbol of hope. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to be bestowed with all the positive properties of coloured gemstones due to its rainbow-like play of colour. Finally, there is a superstition that you should not wear an opal unless it is your birthstone otherwise misfortune will befall you. This, of course, is far-fetched, but the notion could have been promoted in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries by diamond traders who were trying to increase sales of diamonds and deter people from buying opals. Possibly related to this is the thought that you should set opal jewellery with diamonds as their powers of good fortune will override any negativity held by the opal. The great majority of opal does not show play of colour and is called common opal or potch however this is not the case with a precious opal. Opal is a precious gemstone, like rubies, emeralds or diamonds. Opal is rare, and it is expensive to prospect and mine for.Silica is one of the most common minerals on the planet, but precious opal is very rare – far more rare than diamonds. Precious opal is rare because the natural processes that create it rarely occur.Most (at least 95%) of the opal found by miners is common opal without gem colour. In Australia we call it potch. It can be white, grey, black or amber coloured. Even when a miner finds gem-coloured opal, most of it can’t be cut into gemstones because it’s too thin, or sandy. 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.It is not known where this opal originated, except that it is probably from Victoria, as it has been recorded from many localities in the State. Common Opal is formed from silica-rich water circulating through rocks near the Earth’s surface. It consists of minute spheres of silica arranged in different ways. In common opal, the spheres are of different sizes and randomly arranged, unlike in precious opal where the spheres are of similar size and uniformly arranged in three dimensions. These differences account for common opal generally being translucent to opaque and without the play of colours, or opalescence, displayed by precious opal. Common opal is found in many localities and different geological environments throughout Australia and the world. Precious opal requires special conditions to form and is much less common. Australia produces most to the world’s precious opal. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, precious opal, opal, brazil, mexico, honduras, queensland, coober pedy, gemstones, jewellery, play-of-colour, light blue -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, American Mine Accounting, 1913
Red hardcovered book of 367 pages including index. Contents include: Minie Iron Ore; Mining and Milling Natice Copper; Mining Copper Ore; Mning Coal and Making Coke; Mining and Milling Gold Ore; Engineering and Geological Data. mining, accounting, economics, america, mining iron ore, mining native copper, mining copper ore, mining coal\mining gold ore, portland gold mining co, cripple creek, arizona mining co, utah fuel co, oliver iron co, ojibway mining co