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Lightning Ridge, Finch Co., New South Wales, Australia

Located approximately 46 miles North of Walgett.
Located in the parish of Wallangulla.
Note: Lightning Ridge in NOT located in the New England region.

Mining of black opal commenced in 1901.

Opal is mined by underground and open cut methods at depths ranging from near surface up to 25 metres underground. The host rock is the Cretaceous Griman Creek Formation which is predominantly composed of freshwater (rarely estuarine?) claystones and sandstones.

Opalised fossils occur sporadically.

Mineral List

Mineral list contains entries from the region specified including sub-localities
Kaolinite
Opal
var: Boulder Opal
Opal
var: Fire Opal

var: Harlequin Opal
var: Jelly Opal
Opal
var: Precious Opal

var: Red Flash Opal
var: Shell Opal
Opal
var: Wood Opal

Quartz


13 entries listed. 3 valid minerals.

Localities in this Region

Australia
Australia

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References

- Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
- Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.

- Australian Opal Centre web site http://www.australianopalcentre.com/

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Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2012. Jobs in Australia Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
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