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Discovery of OpalPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates the discovery of opal in April 1930 by S. M. Brooks and R. Shepard.
The Assistant Government Geologist (Mr. Ralph W. Segnit), in a recent Mines Department bulletin, tells of the luck of two boundary riders in discovering the opal fields at Andamooka Station, out from Pimba. Opal was first discovered there accidentally by two boundary riders, Sam Brooks and R. Shepherd, on the hillside of what is now known as "Treloar's Claim," states Mr. Segnit.
It was identified as precious opal by Mr. Bruce McK. Foulis, the manager of Andamooka Station, on August 29, 1930. The first gougers were R. Treloar and P. Evans, who worked on the claim for several months, and obtained opal worth about £1,500 before the discovery was generally known. "It must be pointed out," Mr. Segnit adds, "that although opal to the Value of £5,000 to £6,000 has been discovered and removed from this field, the field cannot be regarded as being of unlimited extent."
Transcontinental (Port Augusta, SA), 20 October 1939.
Location
| Address: | Bartram Street, Andamooka, 5722 |
|---|---|
| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -30.446091 Long: 137.165621 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Technology |
| Sub-Theme: | Industry |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1930 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1930 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Friday 4th April, 1980 |
|---|
Discovery of Opal Andamooka 1930
This plaque commemorates the discovery of opal in April 1930, by S. M. Brooks and R. Shepard.
Unveiled by Mr. L. G. Wallis, M. H. R. Member for Grey
4th April 1980.
A. P. O. M. A.
