Are you looking for a way to add some sparkle and shine to your collection? If you’re in Western Australia, then look no further than geodes!
In this blog post, we’ll tell you exactly where to find these unique gemstones in Western Australia. So grab your gear and get ready for an adventure!
1. Norseman: The Only Official Public Fossicking Area
Norseman, located 10km west of town, is the only official public fossicking area in Western Australia.
Here you can find common opal and other precious stones, as well as some expensive gold specimens from the Bullen Mine.
With its easy access right by the side of the road, it’s the perfect place to start your geode-hunting journey.
To be sure of the status of any land you plan to explore, it’s best to check with the Department of Minerals and your local tourist bureau.
2. Rock Hunting in River Beds
Rock hunting in river beds is a great way to find beautiful stones. Bells Rapids is a popular spot for geode hunters, as it offers plenty of opportunities to find interesting rocks.
But you can also explore other areas such as caves and rock formations that are open to the public.
If you’re looking for sapphires, the Inverell district on the western slopes of the New England region is worth exploring.
There are also many shops in Perth and in larger towns across WA that deal in rough and cut stones if you don’t feel like going out into the wild.
The Blue of azurite, another copper ore, is often found while fossicking around mines, and many other shiny specimens can be discovered with some patience.
Topaz and diamonds can also be found at fossicking sites such as O’Brien’s Creek, while agates are found in the Pilbara region.
Geodes often have an outer shell of chalcedony, a crystal lining of quartz, carbonates, or other minerals, and can be over a meter in diameter.
To find gemstones in creeks and along riverbeds, one should carefully search near eroded stream banks, in shallow, flowing water, and in old, dried creek beds.
Western Australia has some truly unique geological formations that offer plenty of opportunities for rock hunters.
3. Emerald Deser in Kalbarri National Park
After exploring the Pinnacles Desert, follow WA’s seemingly endless coastline and take a detour inland to Karijini National Park, before reaching Kalbarri National Park.
Here, you can uncover an ancient ecosystem dominated by arthropods in the Emerald Desert and search for emeralds.
Kalbarri National Park is known for its emerald- or ice-blue-coloured swimming holes, tucked into a maze of towering rock formations.
For those looking for geodes in Western Australia, the closest official public fossicking area is Norseman.
Alternatively, you can look for geodes in river beds or rock hunt in the Pilbara, Hamersley, Nullagine, and Marble Bar areas.
The WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club can provide useful tips on safe and successful geode hunting so you can take home some amazing treasures from your Australian adventure.
4. Mining and Processing Diamonds in the Kimberley Region
The Kimberley Region in Western Australia is renowned for its diamond mining and processing industry.
The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in the East Kimberley region, is the world’s largest single producer of diamonds and one of the most important sources of fancy colored diamonds.
Exploration for diamond-host rocks began in 1895 when gold prospectors first found diamonds by accident in stream gravels at Nullagine.
Today, the Argyle Diamond Mine produces around 35-40 million carats of diamonds annually.
With its remote location, there are plenty of opportunities for amateur rockhounds to go geode hunting in the Kimberley region.
5. The Great Australian Amethyst Mine
The Great Australian Amethyst Mine, located at Wyloo Station in Western Australia, is a great spot for gemstone lovers to explore.
Here, you can find beautiful specimens of amethyst, as well as malachite, azurite, and pyrites.
It has been mined by Peter Blithe since 1966, and the violet and purple hues of the amethyst crystals are truly breathtaking.
There are also other great places to explore in the area, including the Emerald Desert in Kalbarri National Park and the Newry Fossicking Area in Dirt-Swept Newry Station.
So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting adventure into the world of geodes, Western Australia is definitely the place to be!
6. Agates Found in Southern Pilbara Region
The Great Australian Amethyst mine is located in the southwestern part of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, close to the town of Kumarina.
The region is known for its rich deposits of agates, which can be found in sedimentary rocks.
Professional and amateur rock hounds alike are welcome to explore the area and hunt for these beautiful stones.
With careful research and plenty of patience, it is possible to find stunning specimens that are sure to impress any collector or admirer.
7. Newry Fossicking Area in Dirt-Swept Newry Station
Heading southwest of Darwin, you’ll find the Newry fossicking area on the dirt-swept Newry Station.
The area is famous for being one of two places on earth where you can find zebra rock, a rare sedimentary rock formation.
It has been a popular spot for geode hunters since 2011 when the first zebra rock deposit was discovered.
You can explore rivers, caves, and other rock formations found in this area that is open to the public and doesn’t sit on unauthorized lands.
With a bit of luck and knowledge, you can become a successful geode hunter yourself and find some truly treasured stones.
8. Rock Hunting in Pilbara, Hamersley, Nullagine, and Marble Bar Areas
The Pilbara, Hamersley, Nullagine, and Marble Bar areas are great places to go rock hunting for geodes, with many sites offering the opportunity to explore and find these unique formations.
The WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club is a very reputable organization that runs field trips in the area.
The Fortescue Group Marble Bar Sub-basin is home to some uraniferous pyritic conglomerates, and these rocks can be found at least several hundred meters above the basement rocks.
Beatons Creek Gold Project provides access to these formations in Newman, Marble Bar, and Nullagine as well as several Aboriginal Communities such as Jigalong.
If you want to explore the late Archaean continental drift of the Craton region in Western Australia, the Dawn of Life Geotourism Trail in Marble Bar is a great place to start.
9. WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club
The WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club is a great place to connect with like-minded rock enthusiasts and find information about geode hunting in Western Australia.
With members collecting, cutting, and polishing gemstones, the club provides a great meeting place for anyone interested in collecting rocks.T
he club also has an extensive library of minerals and rocks which can be accessed by members, and they regularly host displays of these beautiful specimens.
Additionally, the club organizes outings to areas that may have geodes or other interesting rocks and minerals, such as the Noresman Fossicking Area, River Beds, Emerald Desert in Kalbarri National Park, Kimberley Region, The Great Australian Amethyst Mine, Agates Found in Southern Pilbara Region, Newry Fossicking Area in Dirt-Swept Newry Station, Pilbara, Hamersley, Nullagine and Marble Bar Areas.
With helpful advice from experienced rock hunters and access to some of the most beautiful sites in Western Australia – the WA Lapidary & Rock Hunting Club is the perfect place to start your geode-hunting adventure.
10. Tips for Safe and Successful Geode Hunting
To ensure a safe and successful geode hunting experience, it is important to follow a few simple tips.
Before heading out, make sure you have the proper equipment such as protective eyewear, rock hammers and chisels, and tools to secure the geode.
It is also important to research the area you plan to visit in order to ensure you are not trespassing on unauthorized land.
Once in the field, it is important to watch your footing and be aware of your surroundings as you search for geodes.
If you find a geode, make sure that you secure it properly with the right tools before taking it home.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can become a successful geode hunter!
