Tassie Pyrite

[MALACHI]

Could any Alfer, particularly from Tassie  ( Bucket, Makky ) please help me find out from where in Tassie this specimen of Pyrite in Slate is from. My club has recently acquired a collection of rocks from an old timer and would like to specifically identify where in Tassie its from.
Cheers

[Bucket]

I've seen similar stuff from various mines on the West Coast. I'll make some enquiries to try and narrow it down. Launceston gem Show on this weekend, one of our Mineral Resources people may be able to help.

[MakkyBrown]

Good idea Bucket. I've never been to a Launceston gem show, might have to venture north for it one year, bit busy this w/end.

[Bucket]

Busy couple of weeks for our club, had a stand at Zeehan and now one in Launceston, good fund raisers though. The Launnie show is worth a visit, I should make the effort and get down your end of the state Makky, trouble is, I'm over to Victoria again next March for the Victorian Gemkhana at Warrigal.

[MALACHI]

Thanks for trying to source the specimen Bucket. I hope the mineral people are helpful in pinpointing where the specimen from. Once again thanks!
Cheers
Malachi 

[Bucket]

Our MRT man thinks it's from an area north of the old mining town of Balfour on the north west coast. The other possibility is Renison Bell on the west coast. Hope that helps Malachi.

[MALACHI]

I'm very pleased with the feedback, its been great help Bucket. The MRT men have given a lead which has allowed me to source another two locations in the same North West area of Tassie. I was able to find photos of very similar if not the same specimens from Arthur River District  Circular Head and Tayatea Quarry Trowutta.   
Cheers 
Malachi

PS How was the Launceston show, were you helping out there or just having a gander? 

[Bucket]

Both of those locations fall within that 'north of Balfour' area, in fact the Arthur River district and Trowutta fall into pretty much the same area. Trowutta is in Circular Head and the Arthur River actually crosses Tayatea Rd, both are around 30 odd kilometres north of Balfour. Sounds like it all points to that area.

[MALACHI]

Close enough to nailing it.    On a side matter Bucket. Are the Zeehan and Launceston shows usually within a week of each other every November? If so might plan a trip to Tassie same time next year.
Cheers 
Malachi 

[Bucket]

Yep, we (Tassie) has two show 'seasons' if you like. One is in March and combines the Hobart and Devonport shows, the other is in November and used too include both Zeehan and Launceston. Both seasons are a week apart to help offset the cost involved for mainland dealers getting here. I say used too as, at the moment, no one has stepped up to take over the organizing of the Zeehan show for next year yet. The current person wants to have a break, there are rumors that the Zeehan Museum may take it over, but nothing confirmed yet.

[MALACHI]

Thanks Bucket. I'll be mindful of both seasons. I very much would like to do the West Coast again, absolutely loved that part of Tassie. So that would probably why I'd prefer doing the Nov season. Though anything possibly, especially if there good deals on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Cheers
Malachi 

[Bucket]

They (Spirit of Tas) actually have a good special on for March/April at the moment, $349 each way for two people in a cabin with their car. Have a look at their site. Weather here in March is good as well, days are still reasonably warm with nights starting to cool off. Five million grey nomads can't be all wrong!

[Bucket]

I found a link, they also offer a family package.

https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/sailing-fares/specials/take-your-kindred-spirit-packages-from-349?utm_campaign=take+your+kindred+spirit+packages&utm_medium=email&utm_source=tyks-family-packages-launch

[MALACHI]

I've just sent of an enquiry for march. Now need to tell the missus and work out transport for my youngest, who will be doing year 12.
Cheers
Malachi

[Bucket]

Good to hear Malachi, I'd love to catch up but I've already taken advantage of this special and will be on the mainland for March, will catch up with Jamo at the Victorian Gem show at Warragul. I can give you some directions for fossicking but the MRT site should also help you out.
Here it is: http://www.mrt.tas.gov.au/portal/prospecting-and-fossicking