science

December 9, 2021

SAVING THE RAINBOW BONES

By Angela Heathcote

Lightning Ridge is home to the greatest number and diversity of opalised fossils in Australia. Everything from dinosaurs to extinct species of turtle and crocodile  have been found here.

Local paleontologists  rely on the miners   to donate their fossils  or at least show them  what they find.

Kim Botfield OPAL MINER

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The relationship between the opal miners and palaeontologists of Lightning Ridge has changed over the years. Miners didn’t always appreciate the value of fossils.

Tim Warhurst OPAL MINER

Critical to this change in perception is the Australian Opal Centre, in particular, the work of palaeontologist Jenni Brammal.

Butch McFadden OPAL MINER

Watch the full documentary