Coober Pedy, a small town in South Australia, is known as the “Opal Capital of the World” due to its abundance of the precious gemstone. This article will explore the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy, famous opal discoveries, and how you can get your own claim and start mining opals in this fascinating region. We’ll also touch on the popular TV show, “Outback Opal Hunters.”
What are Opals?
Opals are a unique gemstone, prized for their stunning play of colors and mesmerizing patterns. They are formed from a mineraloid gel that has been deposited in rock fissures, usually in sedimentary rocks such as sandstone or limestone. Over time, the gel hardens and forms the opal, which is composed of tiny silica spheres arranged in a regular pattern. The play of colors in an opal is caused by the diffraction of light through these spheres.
There are several types of opals, including:
- Precious opals: These opals display a play of colors and are the most valuable type of opal.
- Fire opals: These opals have a bright, fiery red, orange, or yellow color and may or may not display a play of colors.
- Common opals: These opals do not display a play of colors and are less valuable than precious or fire opals.
Coober Pedy Opals
Coober Pedy is famous for its high-quality precious opals, which are predominantly white or light opals with a stunning play of colors. The opals found in Coober Pedy are formed in the crevices of a sedimentary rock called the “opal dirt,” which is a mixture of sandstone and clay.
Timeline of Opal Mining in Coober Pedy
-
1915: Opal was first discovered in Coober Pedy by a 14-year-old boy named Willie Hutchison, who was part of a gold prospecting expedition. This discovery marked the beginning of opal mining in the region.
-
1920s-1930s: The opal mining industry in Coober Pedy began to grow, attracting miners from other opal fields in Australia and around the world. The town’s population increased, and infrastructure such as roads, shops, and hotels were built to support the community.
-
1940s-1950s: The opal mining industry in Coober Pedy continued to expand, with new mining techniques and equipment being introduced. This period also saw an increase in the number of opal buyers and traders visiting the town.
-
1960s-1970s: The opal mining industry in Coober Pedy reached its peak, with the town producing the majority of the world’s precious opals. During this time, Coober Pedy became known as the “Opal Capital of the World.”
-
1980s-present: While the opal mining industry in Coober Pedy has slowed down in recent decades, it remains an important source of opals and a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about opal mining and purchasing opals.
Famous Opal Discoveries in Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy has been the site of several significant opal discoveries, including:
-
The Olympic Australis: Discovered in 1956, this opal is considered one of the largest and most valuable opals ever found. It weighs 17,000 carats and is valued at over $2.5 million.
-
The Fire of Australia: Found in 1946, this opal is known for its exceptional play of colors and is considered one of the finest uncut opals in the world. It weighs 998 carats and is valued at over $500,000.
-
The Halley’s Comet: Discovered in 1986, this opal was named after the famous comet that was visible from Earth that same year. It weighs 1,982.5 carats (396.50 g) (13.99 ounces) and is valued at over $1 million.
How to Get Your Own Claim and Start Mining Opals in Coober Pedy
If you’re interested in trying your hand at opal mining in Coober Pedy, you’ll need to obtain a mining claim. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
-
Research: Before you can stake a claim, you’ll need to research the area and identify potential opal-bearing ground. This may involve studying geological maps, speaking with local miners, and visiting existing mines.
-
Apply for a claim: Once you’ve identified a suitable area, you’ll need to apply for a mining claim through the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining. This involves submitting an application form, a map of the proposed claim area, and a fee.
-
Wait for approval: After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for approval from the Department for Energy and Mining. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your application and the number of other applications being processed.
-
Begin mining: Once your claim has been approved, you can begin mining for opals. This may involve using heavy machinery to remove overburden, digging tunnels, or using a “noodling” machine to sift through piles of discarded dirt from other mines.
-
Sell your opals: If you’re lucky enough to find opals on your claim, you can sell them to opal buyers, traders, or even directly to tourists visiting Coober Pedy. You may also choose to have your opals cut and polished before selling them, as this can increase their value.
Outback Opal Hunters TV Show
“Outback Opal Hunters” is a popular reality TV show that follows the lives of opal miners in Coober Pedy and other opal mining regions in Australia. The show provides an inside look at the challenges and rewards of opal mining, as well as the unique lifestyle of those who choose to pursue this profession. “Outback Opal Hunters” has helped to raise awareness about the opal mining industry and has attracted a new generation of miners and enthusiasts to Coober Pedy.
Conclusion
Coober Pedy’s rich history and unique landscape make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in opals and the mining industry. From its humble beginnings in 1915 to its status as the world’s opal capital, Coober Pedy has been the site of numerous significant opal discoveries and has played a crucial role in the global opal market. Whether you’re an aspiring opal miner or simply a fan of these beautiful gemstones, Coober Pedy is a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for opals.