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

Montmorillonite is a type of clay composed of aluminium silicate that forms very small particles that are not well-bonded to one another. This is why it is so soft. When in the presence of water, all types of clay swell. Montmorillonite swells even more than most types of clay, which is why it is often chosen over other types of clay in its practical uses. Montmorillonite has many different practical uses, including in the mining industry, as a soil additive, as a sealant, as a desiccant to draw water out of the air, to clean ponds, to make kitty litter and in cosmetics. Montmorillonite is a common mineral and, despite being named after Montmorillon, France, can be found all over the world, including many deposits in Australia. It is not known where this particular specimen originates from. Montmorillonite is an economically and socially significant material with a wide variety of uses. Having samples of common and important minerals allows collections, like the Burke Museum, to have a more complete view of the land on which they are located, and therefore a more complete view of heritage. 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 tennis-ball sized chunk of aluminium silicate clay. It is primarily white, accented with orange and brown.burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, clay, montmorillonite

Named in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger cerussite takes its name from the Latin cerussa, meaning 'white lead'. When viewed under certain lighting conditions cerussite gives of fire and rainbow-like colours (due to its high dispersion) and it is quite sought after by geological collectors for this very reason. Cerussite is usually found in the oxidised zone of lead ore deposits. It is a very common weathering product of galena and other lead ore minerals. It is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms as a result of the alteration of pre-existing minerals in the Earth’s crust. The presence of lead in cerussite makes it potentially toxic. Historically, it has been an important source of lead, which has numerous industrial applications, including in batteries, construction materials, and radiation shielding. Cerussite has a crystal structure that belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. Its crystal structure is characterized by a three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a repeating pattern. The crystal lattice of cerussite consists of interconnected lead (Pb) and carbonate (CO3) ions. This crystal structure is visible in the specimen. This specimen was found in Dundas (formerly Mount Dundas), a historical mining locality, mineral field and railway located on the western foothills of the West Coast Range in Western Tasmania. During the 1890s Dundas swelled in numbers however it is now lost in a temperate rainforest and its population is now 2. The present Dundas Extended mine, about 1.5 km east of Dundas is presently worked for specimen material.Faceted cerussite gems are considered rare and valuable, given the softness of the mineral. This item is not a faceted gem however its historical and scientific research potential give it significance; mined in an Australian township, this cerussite could shed light on the now lost history of Dundas and the mining that occurred there. Additionally, the uses of this mineral in historical industrial processes give it scientific significance. Such knowledge can add to understandings of the geographical and geological nature of Western Tasmania and allow for further study of Australian geological specimens. A small lead carbonite mineral with shades of cream, white and brown throughout, flaky shards of white at base. CERUSSITE / (lead carbonite) / Locality: Dundas, W. Tasmaniadundas, tasmania, cerussite, lead, orthorhombic, geology, minerals, mining

This container may have been a bulk ink container. A cylindrical brown glazed ceramic flagon/ bottle with a neck narrowing to a pouring lip. It has a cork stopper.container ceramic earthenware

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

Squat china vase yellow/ brown in colour with raised roses and leaves on front. Rough textured finish.vase ceramics china

This type of recessed base was commonly pronounced on wine, champagne or spirits bottles. Possibly done for bottle strengthening and stability. The push-up recess used to be formed by physically pushing upwards in the centre of the base with a tool while the glass was still hot and pliable.Glass objects generally include a wide range of shapes and colours with bottles and jars used for alcohol. This bottle is an example of a specific type of base used in bottle manufacturing.Tall brown glass bottle with recessed base. This bottle has a "push-up" or "kick-up" base. bottle glass push-up-base kick-up-base punt

This toy monkey was handmade by Hilda Kerr (nee Temple), wife of Dr James Kerr. It was made to raise funds during World War 1.This WW1 item is a reminder of the part played by the families and friends of those who were involved in this conflict.Small black handmade soft toy monkey. Light brown hat, white beard and blue pants.handcrafts soft-toy w.w.1 kerr-hilda

Ceramic pot brown glazed lid cream base with paper lid on front and back. Used in a pharmacy.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Bottle brown glass cork stopper contains white powder paper label on front. Used in pharmacy.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Tube rubber with glass tube end pieces and one straight join piece, red-brown in colourflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This book was used after the introduction of decimal currency in 1966. it was used by the Orbost Rifle Club. The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. This item is an example of accounting practices during the transition to Decimal currency.A small cream coloured book with brown print on front cover - "Warne Dollar & Cent Ready Reckoner".inside cover - Ted Curtis 5 Lind Lane Orbostaccounting orbost-rifle-club ready-reckoner-warne decimal-currency

Part of first aid kit issued to Flight Sergeant "Robert G. Jackson". Posted to Butterworth, Malaysia from 1966 - 69Triangular cloth bandage, brown in colour, folded up into a small parcel to be used in relation to fractures and breaks.medical, butterworth, robert g. jackson

Insignia denotes Sergeant. Part of the Kevin John Herdman, No 397661, collection. See Catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service record.Four sets of rank insignia, each consisting of three white and brown chevrons on a jungle green background.uniform, rank insignia, sergeant, kevin john herdman

Insignia denotes Corporal. Part of the Kevin John Herdman, No.397661, collection. See Catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service record.Three sets of rank insignia, each consisting of two white and brown chevrons on a jungle green background.unifporm, rank insignia, corporal, kevin john herdman

Pair of brown leather army boots - known as G.P. "General Purpose" with cotton laces. Rubber sole.uniform, footwear, boots

Acknowledgment of Centenary of ANZAC Day. "Almost 300.000 Australians served on the Western Front in France and Flanders, taking part in every major British offensive between 1916 and the Armistice in 1918. More than 46,000 lost their lives of whom some 18,000 have no known grave. Behind the front line they took every opportunity to rest and recover, including these three men of the 1st Division, photographed in Vignacourt, France.Poster - Sepia coloured. Cream coloured border, dark brown plastic material frame. Glass protection.“ANZAC DAY 25 April 2016” “Centenary of the Somme”, “Three Men of the 1 Division". poster, centenary of the somme

Project report, Operation Tropic Traveller 1980/81 was mounted to field complete the North Queensland Tac map area during the periods 25 Feb to 11 Nov 1980 and 3 Mar to 13 Oct 1981 Buff colored, A4 Folder, Mosaic in brown of Nth Qld, Helicopter, Corps badges, Land rover.1 field survey squadron, 1 fd svy sqn, royal australian survey corps

The Tawonga Primary School celebrated its centenary on 25 - 26th Oct. 1980 with a program including a fete selling clothing with the option of buying iron-on transfers of the school building.Tawonga School was one of the earliest schools in the Upper Kiewa Valley supplying an education for the children of the farming community. Iron - on transfers were popular at the time.Brown fancy print and sketch of Tawonga School building done back to front on stiff iron-on paper."Tawonga School Centenary at top." '1880 - 1980' at bottom'tawonga primary school; iron-on transfer

A long brown wooden elongated oval shaped body and shaped handle with stiff black pig bristles costume accessories, personal effects, clothing

C.W.A. was a popular organisation in the Kiewa Valley. One of their activities was sewing.The Tawonga branch of the Country Women's Association involved many women in the Kiewa Valley. They sewed to make clothes for their family and for fetes when raising money for schools and churches.Brown plastic with clear front cover with 4 clear sleeves / pages. Includes: Handwritten Sewing Hints.country women's association; sewing; kiewa valley

Issued by state emergency coining for Civil Defence Victoria outlining Air Raid Precautions advice to householders in April 1961. Refer to 147081 William Charles ATKINSON enlisted 9.2.44 age 18 Brown booklet, 40 pages including larger fold out sheets of air raid shelter designs. Cover ‘AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS”. Advise to house holders 1941”air raids, government advice

Australian Army Driving Licence issued to Ronald James WARE TX1539, enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22.5.1940. On discharge from the Army in 15.11.1944 he was a Lance Bombardier in 16 Field Bty 2/8th Field Regt. Refer Reg No's 76.3 & 78.2. Army driving licence, brown buckram covered, stiff folded covers re R J WARETop left: No 212048 Centre: Australian Military Forces Army Driving Licence Left: Army No TX1539 Rank: L/Bdr Centre: Name (in full): WARE, Ronald James Centre: Date: 26.2.44documents - licences, personal effects, identification, military history - army

Black & white photo of Boer War, Bendigo Light Horse Flag mounted on hard brown cardboard.“XVII Bendigo Light Horse 17th Light Horse Regt Loyalty South Africa 1899 - 1902”photographs, framed, 17th

Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2.Collection of foreign bank notes issued by Japan, Malay & Netherlands contained in brown envelope. Various sizes.Envelope addressed to: “H T HEWSTON 10 Kerr Cres Camberwell”numismatics notes, military history, souvenirs, currency, invasion, japanese

The paper mainly has war news with some Australian and the usual photos, sports news and adverts.Newspaper dated 13.6.1941, yellowed to light brown with age, all print in black, 12 pages of news.newspapers, the argus, 1941

Item souvenired by of Robert Clarence DERBY VX148150, enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 9.1.1944 age 21 years. Discharged on 22.5.1946 with the rank of Signalman in 19 Australian Lines of Communications, Signals.Brown, leather case with leather straps containing black metal telephone mechanics & bakerlite hand piece.“SIGNAL CORPS US ARMY, TELEPHONE EE-8-A”equipment, telephone, field, us

.1) & .2) Brown oval badge with Rising Sun & the words "The Australian Army" embroidered in black thread.military history - army, uniforms- badges - army, passchendaele barracks trust

Brown card cover on plans and specifications for a bick veneer dwelling in Little Dodd Street, Ballarat East.war service homes division, little dodds street, plans and specifications, contract of sale, tenancy agreement, ballarat

Item possibly made by by William James Tibbett No 978 1st AIF while convalescing in hospital. Refer 488P for his service history also 490.2.Black silk embroidered with a vine with two bunches of grapes and a yellow, brown, blue and orange butterfly, (unfinished).cushion covers, silk, embroidery