Ilvaite has acquired its name from Ilva (Latin for Elba) Island, Greece, where Ilvaite is most commonly found. The geological setting in which Ilvaite occurs is through contact with magnetite, zinc and copper ore deposits, along with contact metamorphic deposits and zeolite zones. llvaite crystallizes in the form of black prismatic crystals and columns . This specimen was retrieved from Broken hill, known as the world's richest and largest zinc-lead ore deposit. Because of Ilvaite's often unaesthetic crystal formations compared to other minerals, Ilvaite is uncommon in most rock collections, particularly specimens that are not well formed, such as this one. Ilvaite is also a member of the Sorosilicate subclass of the silicate minerals, which have an unusual basic unit of Si2O7, making Ilvaite a unique mineral. Given that Ilvaite is not commonly found in Australia, it marks a unique contribution to an Australian collection of minerals. 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 ferrous iron analogue mineral with of black with shades of beige Ilvaite is a brittle, opaque rock formation that has acquired its name from Ilva (Latin for Elba) Island, Greece, where Ilvaite is most commonly found. The geological setting in which Ilvaite occurs is through contact with magnetite, zinc and copper ore deposits, along with contact metamorphic deposits and zeolite zones. llvaite crystallizes in the form of black prismatic crystals and columns rock, mineral, ilvaite, ilvaite specimen

Rhodonite is a reddish-pink manganese silicate material and often contains iron, magnesium and calcium. It is usually found in metamorphic rocks (rocks which have been altered by heat, pressure or chemical process). It can range in size from tiny to massive. Because of their composition they are not suitable for use in jewellery because they are hard enough. It is quite rare to find, though has been found in Australia, North America, South America and Europe.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 specimen is a palm shaped piece of loellingite within rhodonite. It is mostly reddish-pink coloured, with flecks of light and dark grey. Loellingite is a grey iron arsenide which often forms into crystal shapes. It is mostly found in mesothermal veins (caused by immense heat) with sulfides or in limestone. It is toxic when heated or struck. rhodonite, loellingite, burke museum, beechworth, geological survey of victoria

This specimen was recovered from Silverton Mine in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Otherwise known as the 'Day Dream Mine', the Silverton Mine was first established in 1883, when silver and lead deposits where discovered. Within a few short years, the population of Broken Hill reached 3000 people. As of today the Silverton Mine is still open, and has produced over 200 million tonnes of ore, which has generated over $100 billion. The Silverton Mine was also famous for a number of specimens such as silver, iron and zinc.Copper is considered to be a rare ore in that finding it in its pure form is rare. Nowadays when mining for Copper it is often found in mixed in with other minerals or it is recycled from use. Moreover, Copper is found in a range of everyday uses such as coins, cookware, pipes, heating conductors and anything that generate electricity. The fact that Copper is heat a heat conductor, electricity conductor and it does not corrode easily, makes this ore a versatile and useful. 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 cube-shaped sulfide and oxide with shades of green, grey and brown throughout. Copper is typically found as nuggets in the ground. It can be found in a range of forms such as its native state; mixed with other ores, such as zinc and iron; as porphyry copper deposits; and as major deposits. Porphyry deposits are when the mineral is scattered evenly throughout the rock. Major deposits are when the mineral is scattered amongst other minerals.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth musum, geological, geological specimen, mineraology, copper, copper ore, copper ore speciment, broken hill, new south wales

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

Gabo Island sits off the coast of East Gippsland in Victoria, with cliffs of granite in a relatively unique red/pink colour. Early attempts to build a lighthouse on the island were abandoned due to poor foundations, but when a ship ran aground on the nearby Tullaberga Island in 1853 and led to the death of 37 people, efforts were reignited. Construction of a new lighthouse was completed by 1858, using Gabo Island granite. The lighthouse is Australia's second tallest in Australia and continues to play an important role in guiding boats around the coast as they journey between Melbourne and Sydney. The distinct pink colour from the granite means the lighthouse continues to be a defining feature of the island. Gabo Island granite was also used to construct the Treasury Building at 117 Macquarie Street in Sydney, now the Intercontinental Hotel.Granite in the pink colour of this specimen is relatively rare. The connection to the lighthouse on Gabo Island also gives the specimen historic significance and social significance regarding the maritime history 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 palm-sized mineral, coloured by flecks of pink, red, and grey. Granite is formed by the slow crystallisation of magma below the earth's surface. It is typically composed of a mix of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals, though syenitic granite like this sample has a smaller amount of quartz than typical granite. This different mineral composition leads to the more distinct pink and red colouring.First sticker: [torn]logical survey / R........ S........ / Loc Gabo Island / 1/4 Sheet / Second Sticker: 15 Third Sticker: Syenitic Graniteburke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, gabo island, gabo island lighthouse, lighthouse, granite, coast, coastal, granite specimen, victoria, coastal cliffs

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

This specimen was recovered from Creswick in Victoria. Basalt is dark in colour, often black and has a fine grain. It is composed of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals and an igneous rock. 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 cylindrical fine-grained piece of igneous rockburke museum, geological survey of victoria, geological specimen, geology

This particular specimen was recovered from two hundred feet down in the Golden Mile in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The Golden Mile, named after the estimated sixty million ounces of gold worth around one hundred billion dollars, was the birthplace of the largest gold rush in Australia almost one hundred and thirty years ago when William Brookman and Samuel Pearce leased the Great Boulder mine. The Golden Mile is also the home of the Super Pit, Australia's most well-known mine.The majority of gold deposits will form as a native metal, however, on occasion, it can form a compound with another element, in this case, sulphur. Therefore, this specimen is a rare example of gold naturally forming into a compound mineral with sulphur. 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 small gold-sulphide ore mineral specimen in shades of silver and grey with flecks of gold. Precious metals are often found in Sulphide Ores, as sulphides usually bind to these metals. They are also extremely symmetrical in crystaline form. Gold-Sulphide Ore occurs when gold forms a natural compound with other elements. In this form, gold can be present in one of two ways. It can be fully immersed in the sulphide, or a portion may be partially free. This specimen has minimal gold visible, with only a few flecks being partially visible.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, gold-sulphide ore

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 specimen was recovered from Philip Island in Victoria. Chalcedony is composed of Quartz and Silicon Dioxide represented as SIO2. It has and is still used as a gemstone for thousands of years. This is an excellent specimen Chalcedony that shows its aesthetic properties. 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. Uniquely shaped piece of Chalcedony with opening in the centerburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen

Gold usually is found as a native metal, but it also forms minerals with tellurium, sulphur, or selenium. The gold-bearing minerals that contain tellurium are called tellurides. Kalgoorlie, Western Australia contains greater than 1500 tonnes of gold.Seventy to seventy-five percent of the deposit occurs as native gold, but a further twenty percent appears as tellurides. What remains is in the form of 'invisible' gold. Extracting gold from telluride minerals, such as calaverite, which contains around forty-two percent gold, has produced approximately three hundred tonnes of gold. Prior to 1896, rocks containing tellurides were not recognised as rich gold ores, and were discarded.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 silvery to pyrite-yellow striated mineral containing tellurium and goldburke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, telluride, tellurite, gold-bearing, kalgoorlie, tellurium

This specimen is from Broken Hill, NSW. Galena is a natural mineral form of lead sulphide and is often found associated with sphalerite, calcite, and fluorite. Galena is an important lead ore mineral, and, in some regions, it is also an important mineral associated with silver ore. Sphalerite is a sulphide mineral that is the main ore of zinc. Rhodonite is an uncommon mineral once used as an ore of manganese in India, however today the scarcity and fragility of the crystals mean it is primarily used as lapidary materials or mineral specimens. In 1883, Charles Rasp who was a boundary rider at the time, discovered what he thought were deposits of tin but were in fact samples of silver and lead. He and six others went on to set up the first mining company in Broken Hill (BHP). The ore body became the largest and richest of its kind in the world mining ore worth more than 42,000 pounds in its first year. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study. Galena contains lead and silver, Sphalerite contains zinc. 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 piece of Sphalerite and Galena with Rhodonite crystalsburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, galena, rhodonite, sphalerite, silver ore, manganese, lead sulphide, lead ore, zinc ore, lapidary, mineral specimen, broken hill, nsw

This specimen was found in Cape Patterson, Vic. Cape Paterson is a cape and seaside village located near the town of Wonthaggi, 132 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow-moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon-rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. it has an imprint of a leaf in the rock itself, displaying the fossil of the plant. This specimen is unique due to the leaf impression within the stone itself. Imprint fossils are formed from an organism moving in some way, leaving behind a trace or track. These tracks are preserved when the clay/silt dries slowly and is covered by other sediment. Plants can also leave imprint fossils when they are covered by sediment. The leaf tissue degrades, leaving an imprint of where the leaf once was. 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.These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. FOSSILIFEROUS MUDSTONE / Locality: Cape Patterson, Victoria | Descriptive catalogue / Pg 27 No 95 / "Grey Clay, / Cape Paterson with leaf impressions' / 15/4/21 C. William /mudstone, cape patterson, leaf imprint, fossilised leaf, fossiliferous mudstone

This specimen was recovered from Sedgwick, VIC. Spotted slate is a fine-grained porphyroblastic metamorphic rock with a number of compounds including muscovite, quartz, graphite with cordierite poikiloblasts and more. The cordierite poikiloblasts are rounded crystals that size up to 2.5 mm. the growth of these crystals is in response to metamorphism of low to medium intensity. The town Sedgwick was named after British geologist Adam Sedgwick 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 rectangular hand-sized spotted slate specimen in a shade of light grey with darker flecks throughout Spotted Slate / Locality: Sedgwick Victoria | This is an early specimen / from the Quarter sheet / map. See sample 62 / page 18. Described as 'Spotted Slate' but these / days we would call it spotted hornfels / C. William 15/4/21 slate, spotted slate, victoria, beechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, mineralogy, sedgwick, sedgwick victoria, spotted slate specimen

This specimen was recovered from Moonambel, Donkey Hill, Victoria. Established in the early 1860's, Moonambel is a small town in the Pyrenees region of the Australian state of Victoria. In the 1850s the location of Moonambel was part of the ‘Mountain Creek’ pastoral run, but in 1860 reports began to appear of a gold-rush at McKinnon’s ‘Mountain Creek’ station. By 1861, a township had developed on the diggings site, and on 21 October 1861 the “municipal district of Moonambel, on Mountain Creek” was proclaimed. The name 'Moonambel' is believed to be an aboriginal word meaning 'hollow in the hills'. Slate is a stone with a fine grain that is noted for its persistent strength and ability to naturally split into slabs. It forms under low temperatures and is most often created from clay. Pyrite is a crystallising compound that occurs naturally in grey and blue-black slate that is colloquially referred to as slate-rust as it resembles regular rust. 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.Pyrite is iron sulphide (also known as “fool's gold”) which is commonly found in slates.Existing label: 53 /moonambel, slate, pyrite, burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, victoria

This specimen was recovered from Adelong, NSW. The initial discovery of gold at Adelong by a Mr Williams took place in 1857. Much of the area is underlain by granitic rocks, while at Adelong itself a prominent norite intrusive body occurs. To the west of Adelong is a belt of intermediate to mafic igneous rocks and sediments which extends from Batlow in the south to at least as far north as the Snowy Mountains Highway. Around 26 tonnes of gold was found at the Adelong goldfield from its discovery in the 1850s until the last miners left in the 1940s. Pyrite has the formula of FeS2 and forms as an isometric (cube) form. It is a common occurring material and is often mistaken for gold, now colloquially known as ‘fool’s gold’. Pyrite that has strongly crystallised is considered stable, but the mineral has the potential to oxidise and decay. 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.Pyrite is iron sulphide (also known as “fool's gold”) which is commonly found in slates.Existing Label: 104 /burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, pyrite, adelong

‘Ropy lava’ is known for its sculptural and layered qualities. It occurs in specific lava flows that are slow moving and slow cooling, allowing for unique formations to be created out of the motion. Ropy Lava is a flow that has a hardened crust with molten material underneath, the tension between these states is what creates its characteristic form. The brown/red hue of the stone is an indication of age, as it is oxidised iron deposits. This rock deposit is thought to be sourced from the area by Talbot, in western Victoria. This area has a rich mineral history and experienced the gold rush in the 1850's. The traditional owners of this area are the Dja Dja Wurrung people.This geological specimen shows the conditions in which the Australian landscape was created as well as provides an indication as to how these events occurred. It is representative of a common natural process that contextualises the formation of Australia with the formation of other landmasses. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Hand sized specimen in brown/red hues42 / victoria, talbot, lava, ropy, ropy lava, mineral, geological specimen, geological, geological heritage, natural stone, natural history

Although it is not known where these specimens were collected, Victoria and other regions of Australia were surveyed for sites of potential mineral wealth throughout the 19th Century. The identification of sites containing valuable commodities such as gold, iron ore and gemstones in a locality had the potential to shape the development and history of communities and industries in the area. The discovery of gold in Victoria, for instance, had a significant influence on the development of the area now known as 'the goldfields', including Beechworth; the city of Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. Agate occurs when amygdales (gas pockets) form in the upper levels of basaltic lava flows. If these pockets or bubbles are iniltrated by water bearing silica in solution, the fluid dries and hardens in layers, forming round or egg shaped nodules or geodes within the rocky matrix. Agate is formed of a silica mineral chalcedony similar to quartz. The term carnelian primarily refers to the reddish shading of the stone; whether the stone is termed an agate or chalcedony type is often influenced by the degree of colour banding the specimen shows. The specimens are significant as examples of surveying activity undertaken to assess and direct the development of the mineral resource industries in Victoria and Australia, as well as the movement to expand human knowledge of earth sciences such as mineralogy and geology in the nineteenth century.Three small geological specimens that appear visually consistent with images of rough or unpolished Carnelian Agate or Chalcedony. geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, north-east victoria, gemstones, agate, carnelian

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

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

Actinolite is usually found in metamorphic rocks, such as contact aureoles surrounding cooled intrusive igneous rocks. It also occurs as a product of the metamorphism of magnesium-rich limestones. Pyrite is usually found with other sulfides or oxides in quartz veins, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock, as well coal beds, and as a replacement mineral in fossils. Actinolite is an amphibole silicate mineral. It is named after the Greek word "aktinos" meaning “ray” in allusion to the mineral's fibrous nature. Fibrous actinolite is a type of asbestos and was once mined along Jones Creek at Gundagai, New South Wales. Pyrite or "Fool's Gold" is the most common sulfide mineral. It is named after the Greek "pyr" meaning "fire" because it can be used to create sparks needed for a fire if struck against metal or a hard surface. Due to its gold colour, pyrite can be mistaken for gold and often forms alongside it, causing small amounts of gold to be present in rocks containing pyrite. Most importantly, pyrite is an ore of gold. Pyrite is sometimes used as a gemstone but is not great for jewellery as it easily tarnishes. In some fossils of ammonites – shelled cephalopods that died ~66 million years ago – pyrite also replaces the shell. 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 small-medium-sized solid specimen with the minerals actinolite (dark green fibrous) and pyrite (brassy) with shades of brown, black/grey, and white. Actinolite is an amphibole mineral in the tremolite-actinolite series of calcium, magnesium, and iron silicates. Pyrite is an iron disulfide mineral.geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, geological, mineralogy, pyrite, actinolite, victoria, sewyln, alfred selwyn

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

This particular specimen is found in Wolgan Valley, New South Wales. It could be linked to the abandoned oil shale mining sites in Wolgan Valley such as Newnes. Newnes was an industrial complex operational in the early 20th century is now partly surrounded by Wollemi National Park. It produced motor spirit, kerosene, and gas oil. Newnes's Torbanite oil shale rock contained around 350 litres of oil shale per tonne. The Torbanite was mined by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation Ltd. Oil shale is a sedimentary rock and also a form of fossil fuel. It is often formed millions of years ago and usually contain fossilised remains of plants and/or animals. Oil shale is rich in kerogen that releases hydrocarbon when heated. These hydrocarbon can be used as an alternative petroleum or natural gas. The oil-shale rock was converted into oil by "destructive distillation"; the rock being heated until it broke down to form an oily vapour and an ash residue. Oil bearing shale is one of Australia's national assets. There are many oil companies established in Australia. It reflects Australia's rich natural resources as well as connection to the Australia's engineering and oil industry. The booming oil shale extraction businesses can be traced as far back as 1920s. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Piece of dark gray oil bearing shale with shades of light brown and fossilised leavesExisting label: OIL BEARING SHALE with / FOSSILISED LEAVES / Locality: Wongan Valley, NSW / Donor: Miss M. Cambell geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, oil shale, shale, fossil fuels, alfred selwyn, wolgen valley, 1868 geological survey of victoria, rocks, sedimentary rocks, newnes, torbanite, commonwealth oil corporation ltd

Amazonite is classed as a Tectosilicate and is part of the Feldspar group of minerals. Amazonite forms in a triclinic crystal structure and its chemical formula is K(AlSi3O8). In appearance, Amazonite can range from shades of green to green blue to blue, and often with white streaks or veining. The greenish colour is believed to come from the small amount of lead contained in its composition. Amazonite is named after the Amazon River due to its colour and similarities to another rock found along the riverbanks, although Amazonite is not actually found at or near the Amazon. Although less commonly used in jewellery today, Amazonite has been mined and used by humans for thousands of years and Amazonite jewellery from at least 2000BCE have been discovered in North Africa. Amazonite is found in many locations around the world including Brazil, Peru, Ethiopia, Canada, Russia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Madagascar, and the United States of America. This specimen most probably comes from the U.S.A., Amazonite is found in several US states particularly in Colorado, Virginia, Pennsylvania. This specimen is of both scientific and historic significance as a striking blue green example of Amazonite mined prior to 1868 in the United States of America, most likely from Colorado, Virginia, or Pennsylvania. These three states are all locations of significant Amazonite deposits. 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 Feldspar mineral specimen from the Tectosilicate class in shades of blue-green with white veining.Existing label: green/blue Feldspar / "amazonite" / possibly USA geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, tectosilicate, amazonite, feldspar, triclinic crystal structure, amazonite usa, amazonite colorado, amazonite virginia, amazonite pennsylvania

Galena occurs in a range of deposit contexts, often in metalliferous veins, such as Broken Hill, Australia; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States.; Clausthal Zellerfeld, Germany; and Cornwall, England. Large deposits also replace limestone, dolomite, or occasionally organic matter, or have a contact-metamorphic origin. Galena is additionally found in cavities, brecciated (fractured) zones in limestone and chert, and in coal beds. This specimen was recovered from Broken Hill NSW and is 60% lead with 8-12 oz/silver to the ton.Galena or 'lead glance' is a grey lead sulfide and the chief ore mineral of lead. It forms isometric crystals in which the ionic lattice is similar to sodium chloride. Galena is brittle and easily weathers to secondary lead minerals, with the upper part of mineral deposits often containing cerussite, anglesite, and pyromorphite. It usually contains silver, which is mined along with its lead content. Other commercially important minerals that form in close association with galena are antimony, copper, and zinc. 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 small-sized solid specimen containing one mineral with a sparkly silver metallic lustre exterior and pastel-grey interior.geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, galena, lead sulphide, alfred selwyn, broken hill

Anthracite typically occurs in geologically deformed areas due to extreme heating – with temperatures ranging from 170 to 250 °C – caused by igneous intrusions or high geothermal gradients. It is most commonly found in northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States; however, smaller amounts are also found in Australia, China, eastern Ukraine, South Africa, western Canada, and other countries. This specimen was recovered from Tasmania and is 85-95% carbon.Anthracite is the mineral name for hard coal and is the least plentiful of all coal types. It is clean to the touch and, when polished, is used for decorative purposes. Before natural gas and electricity, anthracite was used for domestic heating as it produces little dust, burns slowly, and gives off a minor amount of smoke. However, it is also limited in abundance and expensive. 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 highly metamorphosed coal mineral with a black/steel-grey shiny metallic lustre.geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, geological, mineralogy, victoria, alfred selwyn, anthracite

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

A granular metamorphic rock, marble is derived from limestone or dolomite and composed of calcite or dolomite interlocking grains. Heat and pressure from overlying sediments form it from limestone buried deep in Earth's crust. Graphite, pyrite, quartz, mica, and iron oxides can affect rock texture and colour. This specimen was found in Carrara, Italy. Carrara marble is the most common marble found in Italy, and it gets its name from the region where it is located. The marble was also called Luna marble and was used as a decorative element in buildings and sculptures. It has been quarried since Roman times in the Lunigiana, the northernmost tip of Tuscany, just outside the city of Carrara in the province of Massa and Carrara.Marble is one of the most popular and expensive rocks used in sculpture, architecture, interior decorations, statues, table tops, and novelties. It is available in various colors and textures depending on the chemical composition. The strength of the rock and its ability to hold finer details have made it a favorite among designers. 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 Marble (metamorphic rock) predominantly white with specks light grey and ochre geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, marble, carrara marble, italian marble, marble specimen, tuscany

Fluorite comes in a variety of natural colours and crystal formations and glows under ultraviolet light (the word 'fluorescence' comes from the same etymological source). In its pure form, calcium fluoride, it is a colourless combination of the elements calcium and fluorine, but gains its colour from trace elements that infiltrate or replace calcium within its crystal structure during its formation. Although fluorite crystals polish well and can achieve a high level of lustre, the mineral is very soft (4 on MOHS hardness scale) so it is unsuitable for use in rings and must be handled and stored carefully if used in other forms of jewellery. Most crystals of the mineral are too coarse for decorative purposes but have been mined under the name fluorspar for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes. These include the production of hydrofluoric acid, smelting metal alloys, producing glazes and ceramic finishes and use in medical and dental products. An existing label for this specimen indicates that its origin or collection-point was 'probably USA.' Fluorspar, the form of fluorite used commercially and industrially, was mined in significant quantities in the counties of Hardin and Pope in South-Eastern Illinois throughout the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Fluorite was made Illinois' state mineral in recognition of its contribution to the state's identity and economy. The specimens are significant as examples of surveying activity undertaken to assess and direct the development of the mineral resource industries, as well as the movement to expand human knowledge of earth sciences such as mineralogy and geology in the nineteenth century.The specimen is a piece of purple shaded fluorite (also known as fluorspar), the mineral form of calcium fluoride. The unpolished specimen presents a dark purple interior with a substantial dark grey crust representing the matrix from which the specimen was obtained. Existing label: Flourite / (purple) / probably / USA / BB /burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, fluorite, flourite, calcium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, jewellery, indigo shire, north-east victoria, mining, illinois, usa, united states, fluorine, gemstones, purple stones

Laterite refers to both a rock and a soil type that is rich in clay, as well as Iron and Aluminium. It is created during a process that is called laterization, where high heat and seasonal heavy rainfall cause there to be wet and dry periods, which over time hardens the soil into rock. Because of this, most laterite is formed between tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The iron oxide in laterite is what gives it it’s orange-red colouring. The largest religious complex in the world, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, is partially constructed of laterite, particularly its foundations, as laterite is porous and allows rainwater to drain. This specimen of laterite was collected from the Democratic Republic of Congo while it was colonised by Belgium in the 19th century. Laterite forms in many parts of the world, particularly between the tropics. It is used both for ore and as a building material, and comparing specimens from different parts of the world allows us to document the different compositions that this mineral can have when formed at different locations. 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 solid iron-aluminium oxide mineral specimen in shades of brown, orange and greyburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, laterite, laterite specimen, geology