Historical information

Miners used pickaxes to break up rock and ore, making it easier to extract valuable minerals. The pointed end of the pickaxe was used to chip away at rock. The flat end was used to strike the rock for breaking it apart.

Significance

Used in the Kiewa Valley by miners searching for gold.

Physical description

Cast steel 14 inches long with a sharp pointed end and a small flat end. There is a space for the handle which is missing and may have been made from wood.