Historical information

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.

Significance

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.

Physical description

Uniquely shaped piece of Chalcedony with opening in the center