A new TV series, Outback Crystal Hunters, has just aired on the Discovery Channel, captivating viewers with its thrilling eight-episode journey through Western Australia. This series follows five intrepid teams as they battle to extract fantastic crystals from some of the world's oldest geology. With the global crystal industry now valued at a staggering $8 billion annually, and demand continuing to rise, this show is a timely exploration of a burgeoning market.
If you enjoyed Outback Opal Hunters and Aussie Gold Hunters, you'll love Outback Crystal Hunters, which adopts a similar format. Having exhausted the supplies of all other gem-hunting shows, I binge-watched this latest offering from Prospero with great enthusiasm.
Discovering Australia's Hidden Mineral Wealth
When I think of Australia, opals and gold immediately come to mind. However, I had no idea that Australia also boasts abundant quartz deposits and a diversity of other minerals. The show introduces teams hunting for quartz, crocoite, garnets, topaz, aquamarine, and more.
Among the small teams is Ebriony and Frankie, a young couple who travel from place to place in search of treasure. On the other end of the spectrum are Patrick and Kirsty, who own a large quartz mine. The quality and size of the quartz they extract are astonishing. I always associated quartz with Brazil, but now I wonder how much of the quartz we see on the show reaches the UK and if it's even identified as Australian.
The Amethyst Enigma
One of the standout moments was the discovery of a $1 million amethyst cluster. I would have liked to have seen more about how it was prepared for sale, such as whether acid was used—a common practice—and how they managed it on such a huge piece.
I was slightly surprised to see all the amethyst points laid out in the sun. I thought that amethyst was a fader and I wondered just how long it takes for amethyst to fade. I conducted some online research but found a multitude of differing views on the topic with many saying more than 15 minutes in the sun was a risk. Yikes that would mean wearing amethyst jewellery outside could be a risk, which seems a little odd. However when looking into this further, the evidence didn’t seem to back that rhetoric up. It seems that amethyst from different places may react differently and of course it depends on the specific chemical balance of the piece as well as the intensity of the UV rays. Some people reported having amethyst outside for years with no fading and others fading within a short period of time. My conclusion is that there is some evidence that some amethyst fades over time but not anywhere near as much as we might have been led to believe. Of course the problem is that you may not know whether the amethyst you have is susceptible to fading. If you own a mine and have been extracting crystals for years you probably know how your amethyst will react, that might explain why they were happy to leave them out in the sun. The key learning for me is that most amethyst doesn’t fade but since you don’t know whether yours will, I would tend to err on the safe side and not leave it on a windowsill in strong sunlight.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Crocoite Mining
Pete and Kyle's struggle with their crocoite mine was particularly eye-opening. Extracting crocoite without it falling apart is incredibly challenging, explaining why it's so rare. Crocoite, or Red Lead Ore, is a lead chromate mineral that forms in masses, prismatic, and long tubular crystals. Most of the market's crocoite comes from Tasmania's Adelaide mine, discovered in 1895.
Crocoite is believed to emit high vibrational energy, activating and linking the root, heart, and crown chakras. This connection is thought to help ground important thoughts and emotions, facilitating personal growth and clarity.
The Crystal Market and Ethical Mining
Throughout the episodes, there is a constant reference to the monetary value of the crystals found. As a dealer, I found this fascinating, although the quoted prices seemed high. This could be for dramatic effect, regional pricing differences, or perhaps a sign that I need to adjust my prices upwards!
The show made me slightly envious of Australia's abundant opportunities for crystal hunting. In the UK, opportunities are scarce beyond public beaches and occasional mine dumps. Watching Outback Crystal Hunters also made me think more about the origins of crystals, how they're extracted, and the ethics involved. Thankfully, the mining in Australia appears responsible, which is not always the case worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Outback Crystal Hunters is a must-watch for crystal enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of crystal hunting in Australia, filled with awe-inspiring discoveries and the challenges of mining. So grab your popcorn and settle in for some excellent TV—Outback Crystal Hunters is definitely my top pick for this month.
Image credits - Prospero Productions and Mindat
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