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