Second to sapphires, topaz is the most common and widespread gemstone found in Tasmania. It has a very strong association with Devonian granites in northern and western Tasmania, but can be found in other rock types. Flinders Island, the Blue Tier area and the Gladstone area are the most important occurrences, but topaz is also known from plenty of other localities, such as Bicheno, Coles Bay, the Stanley River, Moina and Mount Bischoff.
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Smoky quartz on Mount Cameron
The Gladstone designated Fossicking Area is located on the northern slopes of Mount Cameron, in north-eastern Tasmania. In it you can fossick for gemstones such as topaz, smoky quartz, citrine, amethyst and clear quartz, as well as tin, possibly minor gold and other minerals. The main material that Mount Cameron is known for is its large smoky quartz.
Continue readingWeld River sapphires
Most people associate sapphires with Ceylon, Thailand, and Queensland, but did you know Tasmania has several areas where you can find them? There is even a dedicated Fossicking Area set aside just for sapphires and other gemstones.
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