The Australian Outback is a land of rugged beauty, where the red earth holds secrets from ages past. It's a place where fortune favours the bold, and for one woman, her boldness paid off in the form of a stunning 4kg semiprecious stone that has left Aussies everywhere in awe.

Kirsty McMullan, a prospector with a passion for the hidden treasures of the earth, began her day like any other, alongside her partner Patrick. The couple, hailing from Cairns, have made it a tradition to visit their favourite mining spot in Western Australia annually for the past four years. Their mission: to dig for rare and precious stones, particularly the alluring Amethyst, a type of crystalline quartz known for its captivating purple hue.

The most recent discovery, which Kirsty shared on social media, is 'by far' the largest they have ever unearthed. The crystal, with edges so sharply defined they could be mistaken for the work of skilled hands, weighs a hefty 4kg and is valued at a whopping $3,500. 'It’s always super exciting to unearth crystals of this size as they are rare, especially for Australia,' Kirsty told Yahoo News Australia.

Kirsty McMullan of the Outback Crystal Hunters unearthed a huge amethyst crystal while working on an amethyst zone last August. Image Credit: Instagram/Kirsty McMullan

The rarity of such a find cannot be overstated. 'Finding crystals of this size is quite rare, especially here in Australia,' she added. 'It’s not every day that you will come across a single amethyst point this large as the pocket zones need to be rather big to be able to grow into larger specimens.'

Australia, according to the Australian Museum, is a treasure trove of quartz, with varieties such as rock crystal and smoky quartz found in all states. However, amethyst and citrine are less common, making Kirsty and Patrick's find all the more extraordinary.

The couple's dedication to their hobby is evident. They spend days hunting for crystals, unearthing clusters or points that form radiating prisms. 'At this mine, we are looking to find amethyst mainly, but the mine also has pockets of smoky quartz and crystals that are both smoky or amethyst,' Kirsty explained. The unpredictability of the mine adds to the thrill, as they never know the true extent of their finds until they are unearthed.

While some of the crystals they discover are transformed into jewellery and others sold, this particular 4kg amethyst will remain in their personal collection, a testament to the rarity of such a large crystal.

The footage of the find has captivated viewers, with comments pouring in expressing amazement at the natural wonder. 'That is stunning,' remarked one Aussie, while another exclaimed, 'Holy perfection.' It's a reminder that beneath our feet lies a world of wonder, with beautiful treasures like Kirsty's amethyst 'hiding underground just waiting to be found.'

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story is a reminder that adventure and discovery aren't bound by age. Whether it's prospecting for gemstones, exploring the natural world, or simply trying something new, there's always a chance to uncover something incredible.

Key Takeaways

• Prospector Kirsty McMullan discovered a massive 4kg amethyst crystal in the Australian Outback, a rare find especially for its size within Australia.
• The crystal, pulled from red dirt at a mining spot the couple frequents, is one of the largest they have found, valued at $3,500.
• Kirsty and her partner Patrick dedicate their time to hunting for semiprecious stones, with this recent discovery being a highlight in their four years of prospecting.
• Despite the value, the couple plans to keep the large amethyst point in their personal collection, celebrating the rarity and beauty of such finds.

Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem or had a similar experience of discovery? We'd love to hear your stories! Share them in the comments below, and let's celebrate the thrill of unearthing the unexpected.

 

[magpie1]

Couldn't imagine too many women wearing that beauty on their finger or on a chain around their neck.....Rock on !!!

 

[novezar]

No truer saying, "Seek & Ye Shall Find". &, what a find. Good luck to the both of them.

 

[Catherines]

Worth more than $3500 once cut and polished into smaller pieces by any jeweller, so she could have got more for it, but $3500 is also a good reward.

 

[darrellh]

That is certainly a wow. You would have to have alot of patience for that leisure activity but clearly it has paid off in spades for them. We have a couple at line dancing who go looking for gold every year somewhere towards Kalgoorlie and always come back with several nuggets and have had sizeable ones.