Weld River Sapphires

Zircon zrsio4 this is one of the more common heavy minerals in the alluvial materials and occurs as angular to well rounded.

Weld river sapphires. A short video of what it takes to get sapphires out of the river. The department of state growth s role is to support economic growth and facilitate the creation of jobs and opportunities for tasmanians. The weld river one of two rivers of the same name located in tasmania rises below mount mueller in the tasmanian wilderness south west of maydena and the styx river and just south of the gordon river road 4 kilometres 2 5 mi east of the southern shores of lake gordon the weld river flows from its source near lake gordon to its confluence with the huon river on the arve plains. Topaz like sapphires zircons tin and gold is heavier than quartz.

Anywhere you find sapphires in the weld river fossicking are you ll also find topaz. Weld river fossicking area. Bad language warning at an early point of the video sorry it shows from start to finish t. What mesh size do you use for sapphires i have some woven stainless mesh with holes 4mmx4mm i m thinking of using for the new sieves as the 2mmx2mm i was.

The best place you can go to hands down is the weld river fossicking area both upstream and just downstream of the frome road bridge in moorina if you walk below the road bridge and dig among the rocks just downstream in the area that has relatively large boulders you re guaranteed to find some sapphires unless the river s in full flood. This means that it tends to sink to the lowest possible point and forms accumulations in classic sediment traps. Sapphires found on the weekend in the weld river these beautiful gems were found on the lower side of the bridge by digging in the river. Looking forward to getting back there the sapphire is mostly nice and clear but might endup a lot smaller when cut as i think there is a small flaw on one end that might have to be cut out.

Their origin is uncertain but may be in deep seated rocks brought up with sapphires etc although some other beryllium minerals have been recorded in some of the tin granites.