Why do they call it Lightning Ridge?
The name Lightning Ridge is said to have originated when in the 1870s, some passers-by found the bodies of a farmer, his dog, and 200 sheep, which had been struck by lightning. Europeans did not discover the potential for opal mining in Lightning Ridge until the late 1800s.
What is Lightning Ridge population?
649,171. 2.8. In the 2016 Census, there were 2,284 people in Lightning Ridge. Of these 54.2% were male and 45.8% were female. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people made up 22.7% of the population.
Is Lightning Ridge Rural?
Lightning Ridge is a remote town in Yuwaalaraay country in northwest New South Wales, near the Queensland border and 770 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Population (ABS 2016 Census): 2,284 people, with 517 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 22.7% of the population.
Can you fossick in Lightning Ridge?
Around Lightning ridge you can’t fossick anywhere, only on the 3 or 4 little tourist piles at businesses around town which are tiny and picked on daily.
Can you fossick for opals at Lightning Ridge?
The major opal-producing areas in NSW are Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs. Visitors may fossick or “spec” for opal on a field provided they have first obtained permission of the landowner or leaseholder. If the area is subject to a registered mineral claim, a visitor must also seek permission from the claimholder.
Where can I go fossicking in Lightning Ridge?
Tour an opal mine at The Big Opal and try your luck fossicking or visit the world-class underground Australian Opal Centre. The Lightning Ridge Opal Festival is a four-day celebration of Lightning Ridge and its luminous opal and gem industry, held every July.
How far down are opals?
around 90 feet
Formation. Opal is a type of hydrated silica, most of which was formed during the Cretaceous period between 65 -140 million years ago, in an inland sea called The Great Artesian Basin. It occurs to a depth of around 90 feet (30 metres) underground, in veins of about 3 feet (1 metre) called “The Opal Level”.
Is Lightning Ridge worth visiting?
Is Lightning Ridge worth visiting? In a word, yes, it’s best known as being the Australian home of the Black Opal and one of only a few places in the world where these unique and valuable gems are found. It’s also likely to be one of the most unusual places you will visit in Australia.
How much is a mining claim in Lightning Ridge?
Miners must also apply for an Opal mining claim from the ‘Department of Minerals’ and must abide to strict environmental contentions, which include replanting vegetation on the site following the claim expiration date. Over the years, the price of this claim has staggered from $435 to an astounding $1230.
Is there underground accommodation in Lightning Ridge?
THE WHITE CLIFFS UNDERGROUND MOTEL Due to the searing heat of outback NSW, people sought refuge underground, and discovered a unique and magical style of living. Underground, the motel remains a constant and comfortable 22 to 23 degrees, all year.
Is it worth going to Lightning Ridge?
What gemstones are found at Lightning Ridge?
Lightning Ridge is famous for producing black opal, the darkest and most valuable form of opal. White Cliffs is known for seam opal which is usually white (milk) opal or crystal opal. The Lightning Ridge opal mining fields are synonymous with world famous gem quality black opals.
Where is Lightning Ridge?
Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about 6 km (3.7 mi) east of the Castlereagh Highway. The Lightning Ridge area is a world-renowned centre of the mining of black opals and other opal gemstones.
What did central North police do in Lightning Ridge?
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, said the operation has dismantled a significant drug operation in the Lightning Ridge area. “The supply and use of prohibited drugs in our regional communities is a serious issue and we are working closely with the local community to tackle this,” Supt Hurst said.
Is there a drug supply network in Lightning Ridge?
Three people have been charged as part of investigations into an alleged drug supply network in the state’s north west last week. In June 2020, detectives attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Buckinbah to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Lightning Ridge area.
What happened in the Lightning Ridge drug case?
A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lightning Ridge Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly direct activities of a criminal group, three counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.