Galena Chalcopyrite is the earth's primary ore of lead and is mined from a large number of deposits in many countries. It is also an important source of silver. Galena Chalcopyrite is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfide minerals across the world. The mineral is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks in medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen was recovered from the mines in Broken Hill, New South Wales. The mines in Broken Hill were first established after Charles Rasp discovered a large amount of silver-lead-zinc ore-body in the area in 1883. BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary) mining company was then established in 1885 and quickly became the lead in Australia's mining industry after they began excavating and exporting the country's largest amount of lead, silver, and zinc. This feat generated over $100 billion in wealth for the company.Galena Chalcopyrite is signifiant as it represents the catalyst for the rise of Australia's most influential mining companies - BHP. The mineral was one of the first to be mined in the country and after being made into lead, was used for a variety of things such as paint, batteries, ammunition, and plumbing materials before it was known to be harmful to humans. 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 grey, solid hand-sized lead sulfide mineral with a silver metallic luster.burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, galena, galena chalcopyrite, chalcopyrite, broken hill, bhp, bhp mining, broken hill mine, mine, australia mine, lead, lead mine

This particular specimen was recovered from the Lal Lal Coal and Iron Mine in Victoria, 19km from Ballarat. Brown Coal was discovered here in 1857, just alongside the Geelong to Ballarat Railway line. This discovery of lignite (brown coal) was the first in Victoria, which would bring important benefits to the region and state, both of which had previously been reliant on coal imports. In the 1860s, iron ore was found just 5km from Lal Lal, and the area was converted into an Iron Ore Mine. The Lal Lal Iron Mining Company took over operations in 1874, who then peaked iron production in 1884. This mine continued operations until June 1884, when the blast furnace was extinguished and never recommenced. The blast furnace at Lal Lal is considered one of the most important and highly significant sites ion early industrial history in Australia, as it is the only remaining best furnace from the nineteenth century in the Southern Hemisphere. The furnace ruins are 17 metres high, and are clearly visible today on Iron Mine Road, Lal Lal, near the Bungal Dam. This specimen of Lignite (brown coal) is significant, as it was mined from the area where brown coal was first discovered in Victoria, leading to an important and controversial future of the mining and use of brown coal in this State. The Victorian Heritage Database has listed the Lal Lal Coal Mine with local significance, with their Statement of Significance stating: "The Lal Lal coal mine is historically significant as the site of the first discovery of lignite (brown coal) in Victoria, and one that promised important benefits to regional and state industries that were reliant on coal imports at the time. The significance of the stie is reduced by the poor state of preservation of the coal mining and processing fabric". 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 hand-sized light-weight, soft and combustable sedimentary rock specimen, that is dark brown in colour. The specimen has jagged edges, as though parts of the rock have crumbled away. Brown coal, or Lignite, is formed naturally from compressed peat, and is typically found in natural basins. The stages to the formation of coal ('coalification') begin with plant material and wood, which will decay if it is not subjected to deep burial or heating, and turn into Peat. Peat, when sufficiently compressed naturally, will turn into Brown Coal (Lignite), and finally into Black Coal (sub-bituminous, bituminous and anthracite). Each successive stage has a higher energy content and lower water content. It is brownish-black in colour. Brown Coal has a high moisture content, between 50 and 75 percent, and a low carbon content. Some Brown Coals may be stratified, with layers of plant matter, which means little coalification has occurred beyond the peat natural processing stage. When Brown Coal is submerged in dilute nitric acid or boiling potassium hydroxide solution, it reacts to produce a reddish solution, of which higher-ranked coals do not. When brown coal is pulverised and burned in boilers, the steam is used to drive turbines, which generates electricity. It is the lowest rank of coal, as when burned, it creates a relatively low heat content, which in turn does not create a great output of steam. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, brown coal, brown coal specimen, lignite, lal lal, lal lal coal mine, lal lal iron mine, ballarat, blast furnace

Basalt is a common igneous rock that composes most of the Earth's surface and can be found on the Moon and other rocky planets of the Solar System. It is generally composed minerals such as calcic plagioclase, clinopyroxene and iron ore which form grains that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. It can be dark grey or black in colouring and sometimes may contain holes left by gas bubbles. Most of the Earth's basalt was produced in environments such as oceanic divergent boundaries, oceanic hotspots, and mantle plumes and hotspots beneath continents. Basalt is commonly used in construction where it is crushed and used for multiple purposes such as concrete aggregate, road base, or railroad ballast. Thin slabs of basalt can also be cut and used for floor tiles, stone monuments, and building veneer. This particular specimen was excavated from Talbot in Victoria, which was a small gold mining town established in 1852. As basalt is a common rock, it is not specific to Talbot. However, this specimen can be assumed to be of the Cainozoic age due to previous geomorphic surveys of the area. This particular type of Basalt was used mainly for roads due to the durability of the rock.Basalt holds significance due to the continued use of the rock from historic until present times. The rock has been utilised for many types of construction and is still used for the same purposes today. Basalt also has significance to the Earth and other rocky planets of the Solar System as it makes up most of the planet's surface. 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 smaller than hand sized rock specimen which is dark grey in colour with small holes and white deposits across its surface.Geological survey / [illegible] /burke museum, beechworth, geological specimen, geology, basalt, basalt specemin, indigo shire, talbot, cainozoic, igneous rock

This specimen originated from Mount Lyell on the west coast of Tasmania, where a large group of open cut and underground copper-silver-gold mines began operating in 1883. Between 1893-1994, the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company were responsible for operations. The Mt Lyell copper-gold mines produce some excellent crystallised specimens of chalcopyrite and other minerals. The deposits are generally considered to be of Cambrian volcanic origin, but there are indications of Devonian granitic influence on the ores, plus local remobilisation during Devonian deformation. Over 120 million tonnes of ore was produced from several workings, including the main Prince Lyell mine and the North Lyell mine, which was also of great importance. The Mount Lyell mines have a long history of human and environmental disasters, including the 1912 North Lyell fire that killed 42 miners, and two separate incidents in 2013 in which three people lost their lives. The environmental impacts from this complex of mines are extensive, with waste tailings and heavy metal contamination flowing directly into the King and Queen River catchments. In 1954, the eminent Australian historian, Geoffrey Blainey, published 'The Peaks of Lyell' which delves into the history of the 1912 North Mount Lyell Disaster.Chalcopyrite does not contain the most copper in its structure relative to other minerals, but it is the most important copper ore since it can be found in many localities and occurs in a variety of ore types. The brassy-yellow colours in Chalcopyrite mean it is often confused with pyrites and gold, leading to use of the term, "fool's gold." Chalcopyrite has been the primary ore of copper since smelting began five thousand years ago. 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.This hand sized solid mineral specimen has shades of brass-yellow with spots of iridescent green-black tarnish. Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulphide mineral and a major ore of copper common in sulphide veins and disseminated in igneous rocks. Chalcopyrite has a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs Scale. It is a member of the tetragonal crystal system and has metallic lustre and opaque transparency.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geology, geological specimen, chalcopyrite, copper pyrites, copper mining, tasmanian geology, mount lyell, mount lyell mines, fools gold, mohs scale, crystals, minerals, historical geological collection, victorian geological survey, a.r.c selwyn, gold rush, van diemans land

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

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

This rectangle black and white photograph shows a bush scene with part of a suspension rope and wooden plank bridge visible in the middle of the image. It is likely this suspension bridge was used by the Tannery workers to move between the town and the Ovens Tannery located South-West of Beechworth due to its secluded bush location, the bridge likely spanned the gorge across Spring creek. The tannery itself was located alongside Gimlet Creek, about three kilometres from town, down what is now known as Malakoff and Old Tannery Road but which at the time was remote and accessed through bushland. The Ovens tannery was stablished in 1858 by Matthew Dodd and Hallahan and later Matthew and his brother Thomas Dodd in 1866 who developed it over the years. According to Doyle, 'we have little information about its early operations except the tannery itself comprised four small buildings' by 1870 ‘a small village with gardens of vines and fruit trees surrounded the tannery’ (Woods, 121), and by 1887 the Tannery employed fifteen men. The Ovens tannery was among several new businesses establishing themselves such as a foundry that brought industrial manufacturing alongside the developing township and which strengthened the economic stability of Beechworth after the receding mining surge. According to Woods (p. 121) in the 1860’s the government spent considerable sums to establish several public buildings such as the Benevolent Asylum, the Hospital and Insane Asylum to support those in need of care in the area directly after the Indigo gold rush which had left Beechworth, a fairly remote regional and newly formed township (Gold was first discovered in Beechworth in 1852) with a number of infirm and destitute people in its wake and which due to the support and establishment of these facilities ‘made Beechworth a significant social welfare centre in Victoria’ (Woods, p. 121). The tannery provided employment and connected the regional centre with other parts of Victoria and the wider colonial outposts and would have been a welcome opportunity for those seeking work after gold was no longer a source of income.A good example of the ingenuity of regional settlers to achieve what would have been a difficult and remote construction of a bridge as a means of access. This bridge is evidence of planning and forethought and shows dedication to establishing a life in a remote landscape.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paperreverse: / 2983 / / BMM2983 /black and white photograph, bush, suspension bridge, rope bridge, tannery, spring creek, ovens tannery, bushland, gimlet creek, matthew dodd, beechworth

Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area. This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-5 / 1997.3185/ Values & spillway. / When completed the wall / will be as high as the / scaffolding. [featuring trademark: kodak print]construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-2/ 1997.3188/ These are the four / release valves they are / not always open (illegible) this / when closed the water flows / over the spillway. [featuring trademark: kodak print] photograph number: 354construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-6/ 1997.3187/ The spillway [featuring trademark: kodak print] construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Black and white rectangular photograph printer unmountedReverse: 84-20-1/ 1997.3147construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area. This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found. Black and white rectangular photograph printer unmountedReverse: 1997.3145/ 84-20-2construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Taken in 1960, depicted is an aerial view of Lake Sambell and the surrounding township. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents what Lake Sambell looked like in 1960.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.lake sambell, #beechworth, beechworth 1960s, lake, victoria, australian landscape, mining, rocky mountain mining company

Taken in 1960, depicted is the construction of Lake Sambell, looking west across the lake. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents additional construction to Lake Sambell as a recreational reserve.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.beechworth lake, lake, lake sambell, construction, #beechworth, australian landscape, beechworth 1960s, victoria

The photograph depicts two young men standing atop a prominent outcrop at Lake Sambell, with buildings visible on the further shore. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser on Saturday, 5th May, 1917, gives some insight into issues in the Rocky Mountain Mining Company’s final years. The writer details the 1917 annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company, stating that locals present appeared ‘well pleased this important local industry is in such a prosperous condition and that future prospects are so encouraging’. The author describes plans to give workers a bonus as evidence of profit-sharing that would ‘bridge the gulf between capital and labour’. The article concludes, however, with the statement that ‘there is a little arithmetical puzzle in the report in connection with the dredging operations I have been unable to solve.' The photograph is significant as it contributes to knowledge about how Beechworth reinvented itself after the Gold rush period, and more broadly how country towns repurpose and redevelop infrastructure and facilities to meet the present needs of their population. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: nil. Reverse: 3471 / Velox (paper mark)beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, l.h. sambell, mcconvill, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, minister of lands, forward beechworth committee, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, lake, sambell, j. mcconvill, recreation, reserve, park, transformation, repurposed, redeveloped

The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image dates from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd. The photograph is significant as it shows the level of development of Beechworth in the early to mid-Twentieth Century. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil. Reverse: 3470 / Velox (paper mark)beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising

Taken in 1920, depicted are four people in a rowing boat on Lake Sambell, Beechworth. From left to right, it is believed that the names of the people are Eric Beard, Mrs Doris Beard, and S/L to Bert Beard. The last two figures are unknown. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents the community's social use of the lake in 1920.Black and white rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: LAKE SAMBELL/ c 1920/ from LTOR/ 1 ERIC? - BERT'S SON/ 2 MRS DORIS BEARD/ 3 S/L TO BERT BEARD/ 4 #beechworth, lake sambell, lake sambell boating, beechworth lake, social, 1920, victoria

The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image is thought to date from the 1960s so may show the lake during a period of drought, such as that experienced across South-Eastern Australia in 1967. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photograph is significant as it shows Lake Sambell at lower water levels, such as may have been experienced during period of drought.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil Reverse: 3470beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising, drought, 1967, 1960s

Aerial view of Lake Sambell, Beechworth with town views. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents Lake Sambell with town views.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: Stampbeechworth lake, lake sambell, aerial photo, construction, australian landscape, #beechworth, victoria

The photographs in this set depict views across the water at Lake Sambell. The images date from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-19th Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photographs are significant as they show the level of development in Beechworth in the middle of the Twentieth Century. Four sepia and black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper. 3469.1: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-1 3469.2: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-2 3469.3: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-3 3469.4: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-4beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising

Taken in the 1960s, depicted are approximately twenty-nine male and female spectators at a school swimming carnival on Lake Sambell near the caravan park. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape. This photograph represents the post-gold rush era use of Lake Sambell as a recreational reserve. Swimming carnivals were held at the lake and considered a social event for the Beechworth community.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: Community/ Swimming pool 1960s/ near the caravan park/ Lakes?lake swimming pool, lake swimming, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, #beechworth, beechworth 1960s, victoria

This photograph was taken during the late 1800s at the Chinese camp at Beechworth, Victoria. It was in camps such as these that many would-be gold miners made their home after arriving in Australia from across Asia. After arriving in South Australia where there was no poll-tax required of migrants as was the norm in Victoria and New South Wales, those looking to settle on the gold fields walked en mass overland for hundreds of kilometres before arriving in destinations such as Beechworth. Due to widespread prejudice against Chinese gold diggers they were forced to live separate from the town and developed enclaves much like the one depicted in the photograph. As the years progressed the Chinese camp began to construct more permanent structures and included temples of worship, shops and separate burial grounds. This photograph demonstrates the early multi-cultural aspects of Australia and Victoria during the late 1800s. It also showcases pressures and prejudices specific to the Chinese migrant community and the measures taken to separate them from the rest of the predominantly white community. It also reflects the gold-rush period and one of the first draws to Australia due to its mineral wealth. Black and white rectangular photograph developed on paperObverse: None Reverse: From the/Chinese Camp/84-80-1/1997-3221chinese camp, beechworth, houses, immigrants, gold mining, gold rush, late 1800s, chinese, asia

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

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

Malachite is a water soluble, crystalline, triphenyl methylene chloride salt. It has a close relationship to copper because it is common for Malachite and copper to come from the same ore. Malachite often has shades of green, making it also known as Malachite Green. As a result of it's colour, it is known for being a dye and has been used in the dye industry, the textile industry and in medical fields. Cobar in New South Wales is well known for it's mining. This is because of the number of important deposits present in the area and include three important mining belts where most of the materials are found. These are the 'Cobar belt', the 'Canbelego belt' and the 'Girilambone belt'. The 'Cobar belt' runs underneath the main town. Copper was first discovered in Cobar in 1869 and since then, many deposits of other materials have been found, including Malachite.This specimen is significant because it comes from Cobar, NSW and represents the many deposits of materials found there. Cobar has a long history of mining and is a source of Australia's copper minerals. Malachite is often found in copper deposits meaning that it is representative of Cobar's copper production. Malachite is known for it's vivid green colour and as a result, has many uses, such as meaning used as a dye. This makes it a valuable material and highly significant. 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 mineral with shades of brown , white and light green throughout.geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, malachite, copper, water soluble, cobar, cobar mines, cobar mining, cobar nsw, nsw, new south wales, mining belts, ore, copper ore, malachite green, dye, green, dye industry, textile industry, desposits, canbelego, girilambone, alfred selwyn

It is not known where this opal originated. Common Opal is formed from silica-rich water entering the earths crust and hardening into a gel of water and silica-spheres, layered through the specimen. Common opal differs from precious opal in colouration and appearance, with precious opal including more colours, and having a translucent or glossy appearance, where common opal shows less colour and is typically opaque. It scores high on the Mohs hardness scale, and is common throughout the world, especially in Australia, where it is far more prevalent than the highly-prized precious opal. Australia is also the highest producer of opals in the modern world. 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, silica-based mineral specimen of Common Opal in shades of grey, green, and yellow, with a thick grey vein running through the centre. geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, opal, common opal, gemstone, mining

Bituminous coal is the most common type of coal, abundantly found in ancient coal deposits which can be dated back millions of years. Often referred to as soft or black coal, this specimen exhibits a high carbon content, ranging from 76-86%. It also holds a relatively high energy density (27 MJ/kg) meaning that it releases significant amounts of energy when burned. Bituminous coal is most commonly used for electricity generation, as well as in the production of steel. This particular piece of coal was collected as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria in the nineteenth century. It originates from Cape Paterson, a seaside village located in South Gippsland, Victoria (located on Bunurong Country). The discovery of bituminous coal in this locality was first made in 1826 by explorer William Hovell. More discoveries were gradually made over the following decades and in 1859 the Victorian Coal Company commenced the first active coal mining operations in the state by sinking a number of shafts and bores near the area of Cape Paterson. Evidence of this coal-focused past can be found today at the State Coal Mine Museum in the nearby town of Wonthaggi. This specimen is significant as it was collected from the locality of Cape Paterson in Victoria, an area that has since become historically instrumental in the mining of coal and other substances in the state of 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. A solid hand-sized piece of bituminous coal with a shiny black-grey surface and jagged edges.Existing Label: BITUMINOUS COAL / Locality: Cape / Patterson, VIC. burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, state coal mine museum, wonthaggi coal mine, victorian coal company, bituminous coal, coal victoria, coal energy generation, william hovell, cape paterson, coal specimen

Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It has a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. It often forms within limestone where a subsurface chemical environment favourable for the formation of carbonate minerals can occur. It is a substance that can be found in many different parts of the world including: Australia, USA, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Malachite has historically been used to produce copper, with mining of the mineral dating back over a period of four thousand years. Due to its beautiful green colourations, it is also commonly used for aesthetic purposes such as in the production of sculptures and jewellery. This particular specimen was collected from the town of Burra, South Australia as part of a geological survey undertaken during the nineteenth century. The locality (located on Ngadjuri Country) has a long history of mining, particularly in copper mining, as the area is rich in copper deposits. The first significant discovery of this was made in Burra (Burra Burra Mine) in 1845 and, at the time, the mine was the largest and richest of its kind in the world, producing nearly five percent of the total world copper output. This specimen is significant as it is considered to be a rare gemstone, as many of the original deposits for the stones are significantly depleted, leaving behind very few sources. 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 palm-sized copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with patterns of green colourations Existing Label: MALACHITE / Locality: Burra / S. Aust. Other Label: Confirmed / as Malachite / C. Willman / 15/4/1 / + Bill Birch burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, malachite, gemstone, green gemstone, burra, burra burra mine, burra south australia, carbonate mineral, copper, copper mining, copper mining burra, carbonate hydroxide mineral, copper carbonate, malachite mining, malachite burra, monster mine

This specimen is Cassiterite in Quartz. Cassiterite is a tin oxide metal that forms in thin crystals which can have a beautiful lustre. Quartz is made of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, and is one of the most common minerals on earth. Cassiterite has been a fundamental source of tin ore for humans throughout history, including today. Tin is an important metal that has a wide variety of human uses in different areas, from dying fabric, to making mirrors, and their most well-known use ‘tin’ cans. Tin cans are primarily made of steel and are coated with tin in order to take advantage of tin’s property of being non-corroding. This is a massive step in the history of food preservation. Tinned food first reached Australia in 1815 with early settlers, and it began to be manufactured here in the 1840s. It was incredibly popular, and was a highly exported product, which would be a contributing factor to the ‘tin mining boom’ of the early 1880s. This specimen was collected at Jingellic, New South Wales, in about 1852. Although the Goldfields of the 1800s are much more well-known, tin mines existed alongside the gold mines which began in the mid 19th century and extended almost one hundred years, to the mid 20th century. Specimens like this would have been used as evidence to justify tin mining operations in the region as an investment. 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. The Geological Survey of Victoria was headed by British geologist, Alfred Richard Cecil Selwyn (1824-1902), who was responsible for issuing over 60 geological maps during his 17 years as director. These maps were all hand-drawn and coloured and became the benchmark for accuracy for geological mapping. 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 fist-sized solid geological specimen made on one half of tin oxide, which is dark grey, and on the other side of silica, which is brown and cream.burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen