Mining and Geology

In the Shadows of Murchison – Aspects of Rosebery’s 100 Years 1893-1993- Geof Jay [The story of the great Rosebery Mine in Tasmania and the Rosebery Community]

A substantial high-quality item, self published by the author we hope Pasminco gave him some help. The many illustrations from photographs, geological maps, mine layout’s etc are so good.

Folio size, 152 pages, perfect bound soft cover but with a jacket for protection. A fine copy of a now scarce item.

For those not familiar with Rosebery and the mine the scale of the operation and the depth of history will be a real surprise. From the discovery of the ore body by Tom McDonald in the late 19thC through massive development in the early 20thC and the later modernisation of the mine and processing we get a complete picture of one hundred years of continuous operation. Still going strong today – it is a big mountain, and it seems full of valuable resource. And the town itself has seen some characters and has a community spirit bar none.

Important mining record for which we must applaud Geof Jay

$75.00

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Azurite “Sun” – Copper Mineral, the form, Unique to Malbunka Copper Mine near Areyonga, Northern Territory.

A very nice clean example of a decent sized azurite sun with a couple of smaller examples in the usual kaolinite matrix from the Malbunka Mine.

Azurite formed by the oxidation and weathering of copper deposits – Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 and this specific indeed unique “sun” structure formed at depth and with high pressure. Monclinic and comes with a variety of colour depths this one Royal to Dark Blue.

The main sun is 45 mm in diameter and has good crystal definition around its edge. The whole sample weighs 80 gm.

Azurite “Sun” structure unique to Australia.

$100.00

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Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

An original magic lantern slide showing Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia, by Newton & Co, London. This formed part of a set on Australasia sold in 1913.

Fraser’s Gold Mine is south-west of Southern Cross in Western Australia. Gold was mined here from 1886, discovered by Hugh Fraser. It was the first large scale gold mine in the Eastern Goldfields region if not the colony. Fraser’s Gold Mining Company was floated in 1889, Hugh Fraser given half the shares. Things did not initially go well and further capital was required – Hugh Fraser refused the request and he had control. He was eventually persuaded but not without receiving concessions, security, seat on the Board etc – sound familiar. He died penniless seemingly.

The balance of the history is equally interesting but too long for here. The mining activities were eventually brought together in a “big pit” and was inactive in the St Barbara portfolio. May be the operation sold to Hanking and then on to another Chinese operator – not sure … any help received with thanks

Newton & Co were formed in 1858. In the period 1912-1925 they had premises in Covent Garden.

Standard size circa 3.5 inches or 8cm by 8cm.

Good image of the historically important Fraser’s Gold Mine.

$80.00

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Australian Opal in Coal Matrix – Antique Microscope Slide – W Hemingway – Derby England – c1910

W Hemingway was among a group of thin section microscope slide preparers who specialised in Coal measure inclusions in the North of England at the turn of the 19thC.

This slide is an unusual one for W Hemingway given the Australian subject. And an unusual slide as one could expect the occurrence of opal within coal measures is quite rare and only likely to arise where coal formations are close to if not adjacent to opal fields. There is a hint of coal at Arckaringa north of Coober Pedy … we are not sure where else … so would be interested to hear from anyone with a clue.

Slide is nicely prepared as would be expected of Hemingway [Preparer included in primary reference Bracegirdle – example Plate 21].

Rare slide of a rare occurrence opal in coal – circa 100+years.

$80.00

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Botryoidal Goethite – Yaraka Queensland

The mineral Goethite or iron oxy-hydroxide here in a nice botryoidal (resembling grapes) crystal form.

Found in the Yaraka Boulder Opal Field 100km east of Blackhall, Queensland. Last count remote Yaraka had an official population of 20 – they all get along.

Small fist sized weighing 350 gm.

Good lustre to the botryoidal form

$35.00

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Mining Medal – Centenary of The Deep Navigation Coal Mine – 1979.

The Deep Navigation Colliery was a major underground mine at Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales. It was the deepest of all South Wales cola mines. It produced high quality “steam coal” which powered the Mauretania and the Lusitania in successful Blue Riband attempts for the fastest Atlantic crossing.

Opened in 1879 after much effort sinking shafts, many lives were lost. Throughout its life it suffered from huge amounts of water ingress and massive pumps were used constantly to keep it manageable. The quality of the coal ensured its profitability until the early 1990’s when the geology became more challenging and it was closed and the area reclaimed as public sports fields.

This medal was given to each miner in the workforce in 1979 at the 100-year anniversary of the mine opening – so about 500-600 were likely struck. A fine example, gilt finished, haunched miner figures to both sides – one an early 19thC miner with mandrel and Davey lamp, the other a modern miner with safety helmet vs cloth cap. 40 mm diameter fine condition, high relief 25 gm.

Scarce Coal Mining Commemorative

$60.00

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In the Shadows of Murchison – Aspects of Rosebery’s 100 Years 1893-1993- Geof Jay [The story of the great Rosebery Mine in Tasmania and the Rosebery Community]

Azurite “Sun” – Copper Mineral, the form, Unique to Malbunka Copper Mine near Areyonga, Northern Territory.

Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

Australian Opal in Coal Matrix – Antique Microscope Slide – W Hemingway – Derby England – c1910

Botryoidal Goethite – Yaraka Queensland

Mining Medal – Centenary of The Deep Navigation Coal Mine – 1979.

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