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A 1980s photograph taken of the shops on Camp Street from the corner of Ford Street in Beechworth. The photograph shows the Camp Street Butcher which was opened by E Spencer in 1940 to supply locals with the primest quality meat at the lowest possible cash prices.

This photograph is part of Burke Museum's collection of streetscape images, capturing the historical essence of Beechworth's streets and township. It serves as a significant visual record, offering valuable insights into the architectural and social fabric of the area during a pivotal period in its history.

Black and white rectangular photograph, unmounted.

Reverse: 2568/ GWYN MIRRORS CHEMIST BEECHWORTH/ F558

camp street, ford street, beechworth, streetscape, shops, butcher

This photograph depicts Indigo Falls, situated 20 km northeast of Beechworth, and highlights the picturesque scenery and surrounding vegetation. Known for its scenic beauty, Indigo Falls has drawn visitors from Albury and Wodonga and was a popular spot for the Beechworth Tourist Club in the early 1900s.

This photograph is historically significant for showcasing the natural beauty of Indigo Falls and surrounding vegetation.

Two sepia-toned square photographs featuring a rocky waterfall and vegetation, mounted.

Reverse: 97.2197/ Indigo Falls/ Beechworth/ 84-116-1./ A03084/ Indigo Falls are near the start of the Indigo Valley - a short distance from the Indigo Valley Rd. turnoff is Ewarts Rd., on the right of the Beechworth Wodonga Rd.,

waterfall, indigo falls, ovens district, natural history, stereoscopic, district views

This photograph offers a view of Beechworth, located at the foot of the Victorian Alps. It captures the gorge and native vegetation in the foreground, with the Beechworth township visible in the middle, where the hospital is marked with an arrow. Distant hills form the backdrop. Originally settled c1839, Beechworth was officially proclaimed a town in 1856.

This photograph is historically significant as it captures the landscape of Beechworth, providing valuable insight into the town's visual and historical character.

Two sepia-toned square photographs showing the view of a town with trees in the foreground and hills in the far distance, mounted.

Obervse: Above the right photograph there is an arrow pointing down. Reverse: 97.2195/ View across the Gorge/ looking over Beechworth/ (Hospital under arrow)/ 84-110-1/ A03082

beechworth, town, landscape, ovens district, stereoscopic

The gardens of Ovens District Hospital were laid out and planted by R H Jenkyns in 1874. Over 200 species of trees and shrubs were planted, including several large Himalayan Cedars (Cedrus deodora), a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), rare Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Pencil Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Bunya Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii), a Purple-leaved Dutch Elm (Ulmus x hollandica 'Purpurascens'), American Ash (Fraxinus americana), Pinus radiata, and numerous Populus alba trees and suckers. The gardens were considered integral to the healing process, also including orchards and kitchen gardens. In the 1880s, tourists flocked to Beechworth as the area became recognised as a health resort and picturesque beauty spot. Although the hospital closed in 1940, and parts were subsequently demolished, the gardens remain and form part of the site's listing on the Victorian Heritage Register.

This photograph is part of a collection of items held by the Burke Museum relating to Ovens District Hospital. At the time of being built, the Ovens District Hospital was the only hospital between Melbourne, Victoria, and Goulburn, New South Wales, treating patients from all of north-east Victoria, including Indigo Shire.

Black and white stereoscopic photograph mounted on card.

Reverse: 97-2292 / View up centre path of Hospital / A03177 / BMM3177 / Note: A03178 / View of the central path of the Ovens Hospital / (Church St) Beechworth

ovens hospital, hospital garden, gardens and parks, ovens district hospital

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small silver propelling pencil with a diamond patterned handle.

England/ V. S. Lead/

mechanical pencil, writing equipment, pencil

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small propelling pencil that features a stone handle.

writing equipment, pencil, mechanical pencil

The exact creation of this Cigar Cutter is unknown, however the vintage nature and style of this cutter indicate that it was made in the early to mid 20th century. This cutter closely resembles the V-cut style of cigar cutter. These cutters are the most common type of cigar cutters and have been historically widely used. They cut a 'wedge' into the cigar cap rather than removing the whole cap like guillotine cutters do. This type of cut allows the smoker to get a deep cut into the V shaped cigar.

Social history objects held in the Burke Museum help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the town's social, artistic and cultural community. This cutter shows significance through it's vintage artistic style and it's ability to show the social habits within Beechworth's history.

A small bronze metallic cigar cutter with cigar insert on one side of the object and handle on the other side.

A01152

beechworth museum, cigar cutter, bronze, burke museum, social history

Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This is a simple example of a Vesta Case.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has a raised crosshatch pattern in a circular pattern on the obverse side. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.

A01199/

burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history

This detailed example of a match holding Vesta was owned by someone with the initials GBW but is otherwise difficult to identify ownership. Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This example of a Vesta case is particularly ornate.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has detailed engraving across the obverse and reverse sides with delicate scrollwork and a monogram set in a circular setting in the centre. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.

GBW/ A01171/

burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history, luxury

The markers hallmarks on this match case have become illegible, however the remaining hallmarks show that the case was made in Birmingham, England in 1901. Match cases are a decorative case that houses a cardboard matchbox.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver rectangular match case with an embossed top.

[?]/ [?]/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A01168/

matchbox

Scent bottles are vessels used to store perfume. Humans have used scent bottles throughout history with the oldest scent bottle dating back to 1000 BCE Egypt.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A square brass bottle with a spheric lid featuring a geometric embossed pattern.

A01193

perfume, scent

Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match. It is unknown when this vesta case was created but the lettering on the front of the case suggest that it was create in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Boulogne-sur-Mer is a costal city in Northern France and is known for its maritime and trade history.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small white rectangular box. There are 6 nails both on the top and bottom keeping it closed. There is a small inscription on top in cursive lettering. One end is covered in a material used for crating sparks.

Boulogne smer/ A01148/

matchbox

While the date of when this box was made is unknown, there is an inscription on the lid that indicated that the item was owned by a J. E. Huderric in 1767. A snuffbox is a small decorative box used to store scented tobacco powder and were commonly used by men and women in the 17th and 18th century.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A decorated small black box. It is rectangular and opens up with a lid. The lid is decorated on the outside corners and a centre diamond shape using opal coloured flaked gems.

J. E. Huderric 1767/ [inscribed on the lid] A01197/

box, drugs, tobacco, 18th century

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is the portable pocket vesta which also has a bale (ring) near the hinge so that they can be suspended from a chain. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece, three wheat sheaves and a sword identify Chester, in Cheshire, England as the town of creation. The lion passant guardant certifies the silver quality, as between 925 and 1000. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is W.N. for William Neale. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this case being verified in 1903. William Neale and Sons was a firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in Birmingham. His mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and in the Chester assay office in September 1882.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver vesta case with a ribbed strike plate at the end, a ring to attach the case to a chain and a cover that can be pushed up to open.

W.N/ lion symbol/ Three Sheaves of Wheat and Sword/ C/ [hallmarks] A01169/

silver, silversmith, burke museum, england, fire, vesta, william neale

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a Vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is a portable pocket vesta. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece is an anchor, so it is from Birmingham, England. The lion passant certifies the silver quality, as at least 925. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is D&LS for David and Lionel Spiers. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this item was verified in 1885. Lionel Spiers was a significant figure in the Jewellery Quarter and in 1906 was chairman of the Jewellers and Silversmiths Association. The item also has NHILL 1928 engraved on the front, this is likely a recent addition to the piece. Nhill is a town in Victoria so it could be that the previous owner lived here or it was gifted in commemoration.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

Silver vesta case with ribbed strike plate at the end and an etched design.

D&LS/ lion symbol/ anchor symbol/ l/ Sovereign head/ [hallmarks] CHH/ NHILL 1928/ [obverse inscription] A01198/

burke museum, silver, vesta, fire, silversmiths

The hallmarks on this vesta indicate that the vesta was made in Birmingham, England in 1901 by Minshull & Latimer. Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small silver container with a hinged lid that has a ring attached to the top of it. There is an engraved pattern across the surface with a set of initials on the obverse of the case. The bottom of the case features a ribbed design.

TD/ [initials engraved on obverse] M/ &/ L/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A1194/

vesta case, birmingham, 20th century, minshull & latimer, matchbox

Stamp cases/holders began being produced in the late 19th century, commonly made of gold, wood, and silver. In this case, the item is made of sterling silver and has patterns and details etched into the metal sheets that make up the case. Sterling silver is the standard alloy used in jewellery and detailed metalworks with its physical properties making it maleable and corrosion resistant, therefore a favourable metal to work with both across many centuriesn the past and present. Stamp cases where popularised by James Allen of Birmingham who created and registered the stamp holders he made. As they gained popularity, it was common for stamp holders to consist of multiple compartments holding various small items such as matches, strikers and of course stamps. Metalwork and silverwork has been a prominent proffession and artform historically and socially for many years. There are many different types of metal work to specialise in and distinct patterns and inscriptions for identifying the provenance of the item. Hallmarking is this proccess of inscribing the item, and consissts of four main components (including assaying) which can indicate the date of creation. Unfortunately this item has no hallmark, therefore it is relatively unknown where, what, when and who created it.

This item is of social and historic significance as it highlights the importance of preserving histoical items. This item display's the intricate and highly skilled trades of the past with a glimpse into the social and cultural aspects of the beechworths' history.

A small, silver stamp holder with decorative details etched into the metal. It has a small loop on the left side of the case, indicating it could be connected and held by a chain or ring.

A01145 (obejct number): A01145 [object number inside stamp case] / STERLING SILVER [inscription inside stamp case]

metalwork, silver, silverware, sterling silver, stamp holder, stamp case, burke museum, social history, burke museum collection, beechworth

The hallmarks on this silver cigarette case indicate that the object was made in Birmingham (anchor hallmark), is Stirling silver (lion hallmark), and was made 1900 (a hallmark) by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. (makers mark hallmark). The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was established in 1890-1891 at Fenchurch Street, London, forming an alliance with Sheffield cutler R F Mosley in 1900 before later moving to Birmingham. Dates of the exact move to Birmingham differ from site to site.

The hallmarks on this object make it significant in the representation of silver wares made by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. which, when added to the other pieces of information available about this manufacturer, add to the information and history available. As the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was based in England, this is of international significance. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular case silver in colour, with gold wash on the inside. The case has a clasp along one edge, a swirling floral design on its top, and two brown elastic straps on the inside.

AC [over] MCo / Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, lower LHS] Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, upper RHSD]

accessories, social history, burke museum, silver

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)

A01154

burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry

Coin cases were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a way to easily organise and carry money. These coin cases were often given as gifts.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver-plated coin case that is embossed with a floral design. The top of the case features 5 spring-loaded compartments where coins are stored. Each compartment is denoted a particular coin value: Florin, Half Crown, Sixpence, Shilling, Threepence.

2/~ 2/6 6 D~. 1/~ 3 D~.

coins, numismatics, 19th century, 20th century

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1904 by the Williams Birmingham Ltd. in Birmingham, England.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular silver calling card case that has an ornate pattern etched into its front.

FRONT: WB LD/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ e (Hallmark)

early 20th century

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1774 by the Adie Brothers Ltd. in Birmingham, England.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver rectangular case that features an angled hinged lid.

LID: Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) LIP: A BROS LTD/ Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) CASE BACK: A1574

18th century, european

Wristwatches became popular after World War 1, where they were used to ensure soldiers could undertake operation at the same time over a last distance. In the 1920s the automatic watch was invented by John Harwood and the mass production of wristwatches began, allowing all members of society the ability to keep track of time.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

Small silver watch, with black and white number face, with the exception of a red ink 12. The watch has a small gold hand mechanism turner on the right side and a small silver spike sitting on the bottom of the watch.

Clock is currently set on five past one.

watch, horology, early 20th century

Although the exact creation of this pocket watch is unknown, the pocket watch was first invented in 1510, in Nuremberg, Germany. The inception of this invention can be attributed to Peter Henlein, a master locksmith who continued producing timepieces until the 16th century when their manufacturing expanded to other parts of Europe. During the 15th century, pocket watches served as a means of distinguishing between the lower classes and the affluent members of society since only the wealthy could afford them. In this era, an early version of the pocket watch was typically worn around the neck, as opposed to being attached to a pocket watch chain like the Albert T Bar chain. Furthermore, the increasing use of the railways during the latter part of the 1800s significantly accelerated the popularity of pocket watches.

This pocket watch is significant as they relate to the social history within the Burke Museum's collection playing a vital role in narrating the history of Beechworth, demonstrating the past of the town through insights into its social, cultural, and economic dimensions.

A silver pocketwatch with a leather strap attached at the clasp.

A01153

clock, pocketwatch, timepiece, burke museum

A lorgnette, in essence, consists of a handle-mounted pair of spectacles. Lorgnettes, which preceded modern opera binoculars, were frequently seen at both theaters and operas during the 19th century. The term "lorgnette" is derived from the French word "lorgner," which means to discreetly observe or gaze. Prior to the 17th century, optical devices were mainly associated with men, however the creation of the lorgnette marked a significant shift as women started to play a more prominent role in the realm of eyewear. The lorgnette piqued women's curiosity and led to the development of various new designs, such as the "jealousy lorgnette." Furthermore, the lorgnette evolved beyond its initial function as a theater or opera accessory and transformed into a practical daily accessory. Initial versions of the lorgnette featured a handle without any joints. Subsequent iterations introduced a hinged handle, and by the 19th century, a spring mechanism was incorporated which enabled the lenses to fold neatly inside the handle, which also doubled as a protective case.

The Burke Museum's collection of historical artifacts illuminates Beechworth's past by showcasing the town's social, cultural, and economic dimensions, contributing to a richer understanding of its social history.

A pair of spectacles with a decorative handle attached.

burke museum, social history, glasses, opera

Pince-nez were a style of spectacles that held on to a person's nose by a spring mechanism and was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in European cultures.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A pair of brass pince-nez styled spectacles.

glasses, eyewear, fashion

Pince-nez were a style of spectacles that held on to a person's nose by a spring mechanism and was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in European cultures.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A pair of brass pince-nez styled spectacles with a loose brass chain earpiece

A01156.2

glasses, eyewear, fashion

The exact creation date of this chatelaine is unknown, however the hallmarks and engravings on some of the attached objects indicate that this chatelaine was made in the late 1890s. The shark tooth and the liberty bell attached to the chatelaine suggest that the item once belonged to an Australian who had connections to America. The compact, scent bottle lid, and feminine design of the other objects suggest that this wasowned by a woman. The name on the plate indicates that this object may have belonged to someone with the surname Heine. The hallmarks on the scent bottle lid and the compact indicate that they were made in Birmingham, England in the late 1890s, and that the compact was made by H. Matthews. Chatelaines where used by both men and women, usually fastened to a belt or pocket, and small household objects were attached to the main body of the chatelaine by chains. They were only worn by the heads of the household as a display of position and power.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A decorative silver belt hook with small household object attached by chains to a suspended name plate. There are 8 chains and 7 objects; a vesta case, scent bottle lid, compact, shark tooth, bell, button hook handle, container.

HEINE/ [plate] CHERRY./ from/ LEO/ May 12th 1899/ [inscription on vesta case] L??S/ Anchor symbol/ x symbol/ lion symbol/ [Hallmark on scent bottle lid] R/ HM/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ m symbol/ [Hallmark on back of the compact] SYDNEY/ [inscription on shark tooth] Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof/ By order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada/ [inscription on bell] A01176/

burke museum, silverware, social history, heine

Garnet is a popular gemstone used in jewellery due to its hardness and durability. There are about 5 varieties of Garnet, which distinguish the colour of each stone. In Australia mostly Pyrope and Aimandine varieties are found; Pyrope, which is blood-red to black and Aimadine, which is brownish-red to black. Other varieties are rarely found in Australia. The garnets visible in this specimen are likely Pyrope. Galnea is the natural mineral form of lead sulphide and has had various uses throughout history; from makeup to car batteries. It was first mined in South Australia in 1841. Green feldspar is an amazonite mineral, a variety of the potassium feldspar called microcline. This particular mineral is considered uncommon. It has been used in jewellery throughout history. It is likely that this specimen was found in Broken Hill, NSW, presumed due to findings of specimens with similar combinations. Broken Hill is Australia’s longest-lived mining city. The city’s fortunes have come and gone against an extreme economic background of boom and bust which continues today.

This geological specimen is a rarity, given that is formed of three distinct minerals and the richness of colour that remains visible in this item attests to the strength of each structure. As we cannot pinpoint exactly where this specimen was found further research can only strengthen what is known about mining within Australia. As such the item is significant due to its scientific rarity and its ability to represent three specimens in one.

A solid palm-sized mineral that features shades of grey, red and green.

garnet, galnea, green feldspar, minerals, mining, rare specimen

Named in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger cerussite takes its name from the Latin cerussa, meaning 'white lead'. When viewed under certain lighting conditions cerussite gives of fire and rainbow-like colours (due to its high dispersion) and it is quite sought after by geological collectors for this very reason. Cerussite is usually found in the oxidised zone of lead ore deposits. It is a very common weathering product of galena and other lead ore minerals. It is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms as a result of the alteration of pre-existing minerals in the Earth’s crust. The presence of lead in cerussite makes it potentially toxic. Historically, it has been an important source of lead, which has numerous industrial applications, including in batteries, construction materials, and radiation shielding. Cerussite has a crystal structure that belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. Its crystal structure is characterized by a three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a repeating pattern. The crystal lattice of cerussite consists of interconnected lead (Pb) and carbonate (CO3) ions. This crystal structure is visible in the specimen. This specimen was found in Dundas (formerly Mount Dundas), a historical mining locality, mineral field and railway located on the western foothills of the West Coast Range in Western Tasmania. During the 1890s Dundas swelled in numbers however it is now lost in a temperate rainforest and its population is now 2. The present Dundas Extended mine, about 1.5 km east of Dundas is presently worked for specimen material.

Faceted cerussite gems are considered rare and valuable, given the softness of the mineral. This item is not a faceted gem however its historical and scientific research potential give it significance; mined in an Australian township, this cerussite could shed light on the now lost history of Dundas and the mining that occurred there. Additionally, the uses of this mineral in historical industrial processes give it scientific significance. Such knowledge can add to understandings of the geographical and geological nature of Western Tasmania and allow for further study of Australian geological specimens.

A small lead carbonite mineral with shades of cream, white and brown throughout, flaky shards of white at base.

CERUSSITE / (lead carbonite) / Locality: Dundas, W. Tasmania

dundas, tasmania, cerussite, lead, orthorhombic, geology, minerals, mining