Sapphires in Rubyvale

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Blackwater to Lara Wetlands via Emerald
413.5km Capricorn Hwy


We had a great day in gem country with sapphire fossicking in Rubyvale & a tour of the largest walk- in mine in Australia. The mine is 16m deep & despite being in Rubyvale only sapphires have been found. We learnt that sapphires come in a range of colours & found several small varieties when sifting through the wash. The boys were very impressed at learning they were the first humans to touch these precious gems in 50 million years & they had been discovered in an ancient river system.

From Rubyvale it was back on the road headed for Barcaldine, and Lara Wetlands, where we made it in the gate with 3 mins to spare.









Location: Capricorn Highway, Emerald QLD 4720, Australia

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