Koroit opal field, Boulder opal mining area in Queensland, Australia
Koroit opal field is a mining area in Queensland where opals form naturally within ironstone boulders found in sedimentary rock layers. The gems sit embedded in these rock formations and are extracted using both surface digging and underground shafts.
Lawrence Rostron discovered the opal deposit in 1897, yet commercial mining did not begin until the 1970s when the stones became economically valuable. The field then grew into a recognized opal mining site that attracted workers from across the region.
The mining site attracts professional miners and recreational fossickers who seek valuable gemstones through open-cut mining and underground shaft methods.
This location sits about 80 kilometers northwest of Cunnamulla in a remote setting without electricity or running water. Visitors should come prepared for basic conditions and bring plenty of water and supplies.
The site produces distinctive 'Koroit Nuts', which are ironstone boulders with solid opal veins running through their centers. This unusual structure makes these opals instantly recognizable to collectors worldwide.
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