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Quartz Information
Quartz Distinctive Features
Quartz is one of the most common semi precious stones found throughout Australia. It is usually associated with sedimentary igneous and metamorphic rocks. Quartz Crystals generally occur as hexagonal prisms with termmations shaped in the form of a pyramid. Quartz has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale.
The silicate group cover many varieties of stone Chalcedony, Agate, Chameleon, Chrysoprase and Rose Quartz. White or Milky Quartz and Flint are also amongst them however, Quartz Varietiesthe discussion here will centre on the four key varieties listed. The pure form of Quartz is clear colourless, other colours and varieties are caused by minute traces of other material such as lithium, manganese, ferric iron and titanium etc. Citrine for instance is coloured by yellow traces of ferric hydroxide. Cairngorm is a smoky yellow or darker brown colours caused by traces of aluminium.
Where to Find Quartz
Queensland
New South Wales
Eastern Victoria
Northern Territory
Western Australia
Quartz Properties
Chemistry
Silicon dioxide
Crystal System
Trigonal
Hardness
7
Refractive Index
1.544
Specific Gravity
2.65
Lustre
Vitreous





Quartz: Common Varieties
Variety
Rock Crystal
Amethyst
Citrine
Smokey Quartz
Description
clear-glass like
clear opaque to purple
yellow-various shades
varies in shade from light brown to black
Quartz Fields: Victoria
Beechworth - Reedy Creek
Mud MapAt Reedy Creek near Beechworth in Victoria; good yields of Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Clear Rock Crystal and Citrine can be found in the creek bed and along the banks of Reedy Creek.
Mooralla
Mud MapMooralla is a little known locality south-east of Horsham; Smokey Quartz and Citrine can be found in this region. Clear QuartzVery good quality Quartz materials can be found here; the productive layer varies from one metre to 4 metres in depth-the Crystal is associated with geodes of clay and Rhyolite-a very few crystals have water trapped within them these are quite rare. Digging in this area is hard work. Vehicle Access—a 4WD is recommended; it;s best to remain out of the area in wet weather.
Quartz Fields: New South Wales
Mt Hope
Mud MapRock Crystal can be found at Mt Hope. Mt Hope is located 94Klm north of Hillston along the Kidman Way. Mt Hope consists of a Hotel and a farming district; in earlier days it was an old mining town. Exactly 1.5Klm from the intersection walk into the bush approximately 40 metres. The Crystal will be found in large quantities 30cm to 50cm below the surface. Dry sieving is the method of extraction.
Vehicle Access
Mt Hope is easily reached as the Kidman Way is a major Bitumen Roadway and the Lake Cargelligo Road is a well maintained gravel road. The Quartz Crystals are found approximately 40 to 50 metres from the verge of the road. There are so many crystals here that 4 litre bucket could be filled within two to three hours.
Inverell Area
View Mud MapA range of Quartz varieties can be found in the Inverell area; Stannifer Creek, Elsmore and Tingha are the best options. Taurmaline and Rutile QuartzDetailed maps and information can be obtained at the Inverell Tourist Information Centre. Water worn Jelly Bean shaped Crystals, Grass Stone, Smokey Quartz, Citrine and Clear Quartz varieties can all be found in these areas.The Inverell Lapidary Club has a fossicking site and will allow fossicking for a small fee, enquire at the Tourist Centre.This area is also well known for its Sapphire and Quartz varieties are also present in the same localities.
Fossicking Method
Digging and Dry Sieve method is generally used but a coarse sieve works best in the creeks. Fill with gravel and use creek water to separate the fine stones out.
Quartz Fields: Western Australia
Yellowdine Lake
Mud MapRock Crystal can be found at Yellowndine Lake-travel east 32Klm from Southern Cross on the Great Eastern Highway toward Coolgardie. Turn right and travel 4Klm turn left and travel a further 4Klm, this will bring you to the edge of Lake Yellowdine. There are good bush Camping spots in the area but you need to be self sufficient. The lake is generally dry.
Fossicking Method
Look for "dark crystals" in the lake bed, lift out with a knife or similar. The darker the crystal looks the clearer it is as you can see the black mud through the crystal.


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