Topaz and garnet fossicking

[chrisb]

Hi
I'm a newbie in need of advice from the experts.

To those that know what they are doing this is probably a dumb question - but how do I identify uncut gemstones on the ground.  In particular topaz, garnet and zircon as I'm planning a trip to Swiper's Gully where these have been found in the past as well as smoky and crystal quartz.

Do garnets come in any colour besides red?  What about zircon?  My planned method is to pick up anything that looks a bit shiny and bring it home.

I went to Inverell in October and found some small bits of sapphire, zircon and garnet, now I'm hooked!
Chris

[Lord_Thunda]

Hi Chris 

Welcome to Alf  You have the basic idea I was told .... ANYTHING shiny you take home 

I have 2 links for you ... http://www.galleries.com/Garnet_Group
In Australia it is normally red. I have only recently come  across Uvarovite. Color is a bright green. Notable Occurrences are Finland; Sarany, Ural Mountains Region, Russia; California and South Africa. Sadly, not Australia. 
http://www.gemhunters.com.au/content.php?pageid=103

Zircons - http://www.gemhunters.com.au/index.php?show=1&cat=115
http://www.all-gemstones.com/zircon

Also check thru here using the "search" for further info.

Hope this helps
Bob 

[Aussie Sapphire]

Identifying gems in the rough can be really tricky - most gemmologists will use a multiple of tests to come up with a firm identification.

However, when just starting out, specific gravity is a very useful test.  For example, zircon is heavier than garnet, topaz is heavier than quartz.  Another useful indicator is crystal habit although this can be less helpful when stones are waterworn and very rounded with less distinctive crystal faces.

There is a sticky on here somewhere on how to build your own SG rig.

Garnets do come in a great variety of colours - it is a great gem.  But red varieties in Australia - or slightly purplish in some areas.  Zircon ranges from honey to red usually - the bright blue colour seen in some cut zircon is a result of heat treatment - or can be heated to diamond white.  There are a few other colours found but generally in Australia it ranges honey/champagne to red.

cheers
Leah

[Jimnyjerry]

Welcome to ALF ChrisB  

Check out the picture galleries for the stones in the wild

Here is one of zircons
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=857

[chrisb]

Wow - the mind boggles.  Thanks for the tips and information.  Now I just have to find something bigger than a gnats eyebrow.  But at least now I have a better idea of what to look for. 
I head off first thing tomorrow morning, 3 hour drive followed by tromping through the bush.  What better way to spend a day off work!  Better take a big bucket for all those shiny rocks I'm going to find.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone
 
Chris

[steveo]

Let us know what you find. Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Marry Christmas