Andamooka Observatory

26/11/2024

26/11/2024

📣 Our final newsletter for 2024 is here, and we have some new and exciting resources and ideas for the new year!

⚠️ Register now for the opportunity to learn about using geoscience data in the classroom, with our teacher PL in-person session on Thursday, 12 December. Our experts will be covering topics ranging from coastal geomorphology, flood vulnerability, earthquake monitoring and disaster preparedness. Spots are limited!

🌎 Have you ever wanted to make your own map or teach simple mapping skills to your students? Check out our video guide that will teach you how to make maps using the Digital Atlas of Australia!

💎 Sneak a peek into our collection safe and learn about our most precious minerals and gems by watching our ‘Stories in the Safe’ webinar.

Explore the newsletter and bring more Earth science into your classrooms 👉 https://bit.ly/413V9nt.

26/11/2024

🗺 Check out this fascinating map from the Department of Mines and Energy, which highlights the Andamooka Precious Stones Field, showing opal diggings and the extent of workings from 1958 to 1985.🧨⛏💎💰

The key points include:

First Hill, Second Hill, and Third Hill are prominently marked as key opal digging areas near White Dam, reflecting their importance within the Andamooka opal fields. They are located southeast of the Andamooka township boundary.

White Dam Opal Diggings are clearly labelled as part of the opal fields, indicating historical opal mining activity. This aligns with its reputation for producing high-quality gemstones.

Key Geological Formations:

Kr (Merrimarra Subgroup - Bulldog Shale): Represented with specific textures.
Em + J (Tent Hill Formation and Algebuckina Sandstone): Also delineated as part of the map's legend.

Historical Context:

The map distinguishes between workings as of May 1985 (indicated by shading and texturing) and workings recorded on 19th December 1958, showing the expansion of opal mining areas over nearly three decades.

26/11/2024

🧭Discover White Dam on the Historical 1981 Andamooka Topographic Map! 🗺️

Explore the fascinating story of White Dam and its connection to Andamooka's opal heritage with the Andamooka 1:250 000, R502 Historical Topographic Map published in January 1981. This incredible resource offers a glimpse into the geography and history of one of South Australia's most iconic opal mining regions.

White Dam is known for producing some of the finest opal since its discovery in 1965. ⛏🌌💎

This map is an excellent resource for history buffs, opal enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

📍 View the map online here: https://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/api/records/e8ac508b-55b1-7005-e044-00144fdd4fa6

26/11/2024

Noodling after the rain video in Lightning Ridge by the Curiosity Mine🌧⛏💎💰

Finding opal on the surface takes skill, patience and permission. I spoke with an opal miner about the process, and about the history of specking.Welcome to ...

25/11/2024

Small businesses in regional South Australia are sharing supplies and referring customers to each other as part of a strategy that owners say is helping drive economic growth in their communities.

25/11/2024

25/11/2024

24/11/2024

Palaeontologists have uncovered a fossilised worm-like creature at Nilpena Ediacara National Park in South Australia.

22/11/2024

UPDATE ON POTENTIAL RAIN SITUATION AROUND THE OPAL FIELDS AND FAR NORTH from SATURDAY
Coober Pedy has been downgraded.
Oodnadatta and other areas likely to sustain road closures
Andamooka area expecting heavy rainfalls

22/11/2024

Top free geophysical software
https://mimaed.com/free-geophysical/

22/11/2024

22/11/2024

Found a Rock From Out of This World? Have you stumbled upon a rock that seems strangely heavy or different from others you've seen? It migh...