Devils rock Tyalgum

[Rookie Rockhound]

Hi everyone, this is my first post, a buddy and I were told about a location in northern NSW known as Devil’s Rock, that’s ment to be full of large chalcedony. There was very little information given obviously, but I was wondering if anyone has heard of this place. We are like kids with a treasure map that’s basically blank haha! Only thing is, is that we’re kinda wondering if we are looking in the right area to go hiking to see if we can find it. I understand places like this are under wraps and held very close to the chest but thought I’d throw it out there for any more info before we go on a wild goose chase.
Any info would be great.
Thanks for reading and happy houndin all!

[Findem]

 Hi RR. Welcome to the Forum! I don't know your area, but I'm sure that other members do.

[Jimnyjerry]

Sorry only one I could find is near Devils Hole then it is in the Barrington Tops National Park and automatically no fossicking allowed. In the Tyalgum area there are a lot of NP and if it is in one of them then again no fossicking allowed.

[Gemster]

More than likely its a 'Local' Name... I have herd of something simular around Nimbin... But careful as other things are around Nimbin too...

   Gemster....

[Gem Ranger]

I think I know the place, its on the rim of an all volcano (Mt Warning?). I haven't been up there but saw it in the distance. I've been told its quite hazardous to fossick as its on the edge of a steep drop where the chalcedony cores (for want of a better word) are found. I was told that however many years ago someone was working on or under the ledge and it gave way. Injury or death occurred to more than one person which might have resulted in access being blocked. The one core I had from there was a double fist sized specimen with rough blade or wing like protrusions coming out of the centre, basically a chalcedony infilling of a thunder egg. It was mainly translucent white and grey with a bit of green. It has a unique, fairly elegant quality about it. Apparently they are found in kaolin clay and since they haven't travelled they are quite intricate and detailed. There would be a fair bit of cleaning involved, perhaps with high pressure spray or acid to get it to specimen quality. I believe some of the specimens found there were quite large. That's as much as I know.

[Gerda]

Hi Rooky Rockhound,
You can find chalcedony, from walnut to fist- sized, in the creeks around Tyalgum. On a sunny day look for white "nodules" in the shallow water. Look on the creek banks when the sun comes out after a shower (or use a spray bottle). The dampness makes them stand out from the other grey rocks. The chalcedony varies from white, to yellowish, to greenish stained.
Good hunting,
Gerda

[Jimnyjerry]

Gem Ranger the location you mention is in the National Park.

One of the illegal diggers broke his legs the other one died from injuries.
 

[Rookie Rockhound]

Oh wow, thank you gem ranger for your info, that define you sounds like the place. Sounds like it’s not for the faint hearted 
Thank you everyone who replied too, as a rookie I really appreciate the time you more knowledgeable rock people take to share your wisdom and advice.
I’ll be sticking to the creeks for now but it’s good to know others have heard of it.

Very grateful everyone

[Gem Ranger]

Very good point Jimnyjerry. Can't be digging in National Park.

No probs RR

[Gemster]

That's not quite Right Gem Ranger.. Under the New NPWS Rules you can apply to them to fossick/prospect in certain areas... A Member of another Forum has an application in and will be the First in NSW if he is approved....
I will update when I know more about this....  He is trying to make a Generic Application, so it may be an easier way to be Approved for Everyone...

  Gemster....