Excursion: The 'Emerald Desert,' a unique sandy expanse in Western Australia
Nestled in the heart of Western Australia's Emerald Desert, the Poona Emerald Mine stands as a testament to the region's rich mineral heritage. Although the specifics of its history may not be extensively documented, the mine has played a significant role in Australia's emerald mining industry and the broader narrative of mineral exploration.
The Poona Emerald Mine, discovered in the early 1900s, is renowned for its unique contribution to Western Australia's mineral wealth. Emeralds, precious gemstones of great value, are found in both mica schist and quartz pegmatite matrix at the site. The mine's peak production period was during the 1960s to the late 1970s, yielding some exceptional emeralds.
Intriguingly, the Poona Emerald Mine is most famous for the 'Gems Merchant Captain' ring, which features half of a broken emerald that once represented Poona's rough emeralds supplied to Sultan Aga Khan III. The ring, a symbol of the mine's historical significance, tells the story of the wondrous emerald desert of Australia.
The quest to uncover the secrets of the Poona Emerald Mine began with author Joanna Angelett, who embarked on a gemmological journey to the region. Her expedition started at the Kalbarri National Park, covering approximately 600 km, and culminated in Mount Magnet before daybreak. From there, another 200 km journey led her to the Poona Emerald Mine, which is situated in Yalgoo.
Mount Magnet, known for its iron and gold mining, is a significant stopover on this gemstone-seeking adventure. The nearby town of Cue, surrounded by gold mines, is a mere 150 km from the Poona Emerald Mine.
The journey, however, was not without its challenges. The Poona emerald demanded a specific design, but its extraction from the matrix was difficult. In one instance, the emerald cracked and split into two unequal parts during attempts to separate it from the biotite matrix, an event that was overseen by gemmologists Perry and Levinson.
Despite these challenges, the Poona deposit is considered the most productive emerald deposit in the region. One exceptional find was a 138 carat transparent emerald in 1971, an exception that proved the rule of small, gem-quality Poona crystals. Another invaluable discovery was a small, milky-green crystal that captivated collectors.
The designer studio for the collected gems is based in Hatton Garden, London, a hub of the global jewellery industry. The journey from the rugged Australian outback to the heart of London's jewellery scene encapsulates the global appeal of the Poona Emerald Mine's treasures.
In conclusion, the Poona Emerald Mine stands as a beacon of Western Australia's rich gemstone mining history. Despite the lack of detailed historical narratives, the mine's significance in shaping the state's mineral wealth and geological profile is undeniable. For those seeking to delve deeper into the specifics of Poona's mine, more specialized geological or mining archives from Western Australia's mining authorities may offer valuable insights.
- Joanna Angelett, intrigued by the Poona Emerald Mine, embarked on a gemmological journey that included attendance of workshops and courses to further her understanding of the treasures found in the mine.
- As a member of several international gemmology associations, Angelett has organized adventure-travel tours for fellow enthusiasts, inviting them to explore the Poona Emerald Mine and other significant gemstone locations across the globe.
- The unique emeralds extracted from the Poona Emerald Mine have found their way into some of the world's most prestigious lifestyles, adorning jewelry pieces crafted by master artisans in Hatton Garden, London, showcasing the mine's global influence in the fine jewelry industry.
