mount surprise gems - the gem den

The The Gem Den is worth taking a look at as they have a wonderful array of gems and gifts complimented by very good and friendly service.

We had been exploring Mt. Surprise, and I decided to check out the Gem Den, as I am always on the lookout for interesting shops. This was certainly that, and while I am not really into "gems" I was attracted to a basket of slices of agate. I never knew agate came in so many colours. I ended up buying 6 slices, which I will use to embellish art quilts which I make.

If you want to experience fossicking and have no idea how to, then Pete and Pam Blackburn in Mt surprise are the people to see. We joined a tour on Pete's bus and he drove us out to his claim. He instructed us on how to use the equipment supplied and showed us the topaz that we would be looking for. We found a few stones, one we left with him to cut. Morning tea was supplied. A dusty excursion but one which left us with a degree of satisfaction.

Across the road from Bedrock Village is the Gem Den. Peter and Pam will give you all the information on fossicking for Topaz at the O'Brien fields. You can hire the equipment that is needed or as we did, join a group of people with Peter as our guide and travel to his claim in his vehicle for a few hours of fun. Sure you get a bit dirty but at the end of it you will have some topaz. If you want, Peter will facet the stones and even have them set for you. I'm sure you will have a wonderful experience.

Our visit to the area was short but we enjoyed our visit to the Gem Den; thank you Peter for your help and advise about choosing topaz gemstones for me. Friendly and informative service. Did not get to see the stone cutting though; next time

Located right opposite "Bedrock Caravan Park", the Gem Den is loaded with mineral specimens from inexpensive sliced agate geodes through facetted gemstones to museum quality specimens. The owners provide hands on fossicking experiences with inexpensively priced buckets of sapphire and topaz was dirt. Equipment and instructions are included in the price. I bought a few buckets of the topaz wash and found a handful of very pretty clear topaz crystals. Some of them would make good cut stones but I will be keeping them as great examples of natural mineral crystals. My wife bought a couple of nicely cut pyrope/almandine garnets on pretty sterling silver chains. The couple who run the Gem Den do the gem faceting and assemble the jewellery themselves. I thought their products were charming and good value.

Well informed, amiable and friendly couple happy to advise aspiring fossikers. Well established business with very good displays.

Great little place for gem lovers. Knowing little we found it interesting to watch some cutting and polishing.

The Gem Den is a crystal shop in Mt Surprise, they have a great "mining experience" where you go out to their claim (self drive or they drive) and spend the morning mining for topaz (pink, blue and white). You get to keep whatever you mine. Great fun with the kids. Lovely hosts. Well worth doing if you find yourself in Mt Surprise.