Discover the Shocking Secret One Aussie Family Used to Unearth Thousands of Dollars in Their Backyard!
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Imagine turning your backyard into a treasure trove, where with a little bit of digging and a dash of luck, you could unearth precious gems worth thousands of dollars. This isn't a fairytale; it's the reality for one Australian family who struck it rich in the gem fields of Queensland.
Matt, his wife Amber, and their son Riley, seven years old, made a life-changing decision to move from Townsville to the gem-rich soils of Queensland after years of holidaying in the area. They purchased a property in 2018 and have since been living the dream as full-time sapphire hunters. Their backyard adventures have been nothing short of extraordinary, with Matt recently digging up an 81-plus carat stone potentially valued at $20,000.
But the family affair doesn't stop there. Amber, 33, and young Riley have also had their share of remarkable finds. Amber, who expertly cuts the rough gems to get them ready for setting, once found a gem worth $3,000 while out specking with their nine-month-old baby, Elise, in her arms. Specking, a simple yet effective method of collecting sapphires, involves walking around and picking up gems off the surface, especially after heavy rain has washed away the topsoil.
Riley's big break came during a casual walk with his dad, where he stumbled upon a 14.5-carat stone that could fetch upwards of $10,000. These finds are not just lucky flukes; they're a testament to the rich potential that lies beneath the surface of Queensland's gem fields.
The good news is, you don't have to be a resident to try your luck. Matt encourages tourists to visit and experience the thrill of the hunt. In fact, visitors have had their fair share of success, like the elderly couple who, while specking, found a sapphire in the wall of a dig and sold it for a staggering $250,000.
For those interested in trying their hand at sapphire hunting, the town of Rubyvale offers holiday parks, or you can pick up a camping ticket online to camp on the fossicking grounds. A fossicking permit is required, but it's an affordable adventure at around $13 for a family.
Matt, now an expert in the field, shares his top tips for aspiring gem hunters. He suggests starting at a fossicking park where you can learn how to sift and identify what to look for. Surprisingly, you don't need much equipment—a pair of sieves and a shovel will do. Matt's biggest find, an 834-carat sapphire, was discovered at a site previously dug by someone else who may not have recognized its value.
Patience and enjoyment of the hunt are key, according to Matt. He compares finding sapphires to fishing, but with potentially much more rewarding outcomes. It's an addictive pursuit that combines the excitement of discovery with the beauty of nature.
So, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, why not consider a trip to the gem fields? You never know, you might just be the next person to uncover a hidden gem worth thousands.
Do you have your own backyard treasure hunting story or tips to share? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And if you've got a story tip, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Happy hunting, members of the Seniors Discount Club!
Matt, his wife Amber, and their son Riley, seven years old, made a life-changing decision to move from Townsville to the gem-rich soils of Queensland after years of holidaying in the area. They purchased a property in 2018 and have since been living the dream as full-time sapphire hunters. Their backyard adventures have been nothing short of extraordinary, with Matt recently digging up an 81-plus carat stone potentially valued at $20,000.
But the family affair doesn't stop there. Amber, 33, and young Riley have also had their share of remarkable finds. Amber, who expertly cuts the rough gems to get them ready for setting, once found a gem worth $3,000 while out specking with their nine-month-old baby, Elise, in her arms. Specking, a simple yet effective method of collecting sapphires, involves walking around and picking up gems off the surface, especially after heavy rain has washed away the topsoil.
The Betteridge family became full-time hunters of this type of sapphire. Credit: Matt Betteridge
Riley's big break came during a casual walk with his dad, where he stumbled upon a 14.5-carat stone that could fetch upwards of $10,000. These finds are not just lucky flukes; they're a testament to the rich potential that lies beneath the surface of Queensland's gem fields.
The good news is, you don't have to be a resident to try your luck. Matt encourages tourists to visit and experience the thrill of the hunt. In fact, visitors have had their fair share of success, like the elderly couple who, while specking, found a sapphire in the wall of a dig and sold it for a staggering $250,000.
For those interested in trying their hand at sapphire hunting, the town of Rubyvale offers holiday parks, or you can pick up a camping ticket online to camp on the fossicking grounds. A fossicking permit is required, but it's an affordable adventure at around $13 for a family.
Matt, now an expert in the field, shares his top tips for aspiring gem hunters. He suggests starting at a fossicking park where you can learn how to sift and identify what to look for. Surprisingly, you don't need much equipment—a pair of sieves and a shovel will do. Matt's biggest find, an 834-carat sapphire, was discovered at a site previously dug by someone else who may not have recognized its value.
Patience and enjoyment of the hunt are key, according to Matt. He compares finding sapphires to fishing, but with potentially much more rewarding outcomes. It's an addictive pursuit that combines the excitement of discovery with the beauty of nature.
So, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, why not consider a trip to the gem fields? You never know, you might just be the next person to uncover a hidden gem worth thousands.
Do you have your own backyard treasure hunting story or tips to share? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And if you've got a story tip, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Happy hunting, members of the Seniors Discount Club!
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