While Australia is not one of the biggest diamond exporters in the world, our country has a long history of mining the world’s most precious gemstone. Diamonds have been found since the gold rushes of the late 1800s, though only a few large-scale mines have appeared in Australia.
We are most famously known for our coloured diamonds, especially the much-loved fancy pink colours. Diamond mining does still occur commercially in the country, with a few famous mines set to reopen in modern-day.
Diamonds are used for both jewellery and industry, which makes them highly valuable to both the nation and its citizens. Of course, we just love diamond jewellery. There’s nothing more special than a diamond engagement ring, or even simple diamond earrings that give you joy. Well, maybe it can be more special if your gorgeous stone is from your own country.
So, where are diamonds found in Australia? We answer your question in our blog, and dig a little deeper into all kinds of gemstones found down under.
Overview:
- Where Are Diamonds Found In Australia?
- Diamond Mines Outside Of Western Australia
- Lab Grown Diamond In Australia
- Gemstones Found In Australia
Where Are Diamonds Found In Australia?
Kimberlite pipes are the main sources of diamonds around Australia and the world. These volcanic pipes contain diamonds that are millions of years old, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Many of these kimberlite pipes have been found in the Kimberly region in the north of Western Australia. Here, the famous Argyle diamond mine began production in 1983. According to this government report about diamonds, early underwater samples had to be collected in shark cages to protect the workers from crocodiles. Isn’t it amazing what we’d do for treasure?
Argyle has accounted for a huge portion of Australia’s diamond exports, though sadly, it was closed in 2020. The mine was the biggest source of pink diamonds in the world, responsible for around 90% of the colour variant mined. Its closure is a big reason the fancy pink coloured diamonds have so drastically risen in price.
Just next door to the Argyle mine in the Kimberley area, is the Ellendale mine. Another producer of fancy diamond colours — this time yellow. The mine once produced 50% of natural diamonds with the bright yellow colour, which are actually worth more than their clear cousins.
The mine is very soon to reopen, with two mining companies purchasing a section of the old mine to delve into within the next couple of years. The reopening of the Ellendale mine presents a very exciting time in the diamond mining production of Australia.
Diamond Mines Outside of Western Australia
Diamonds have been found elsewhere in Australia — just in smaller deposits. The Merlin mine in the Northern Territory, for example, was a strong producer of white diamonds in 2017–18. Having been recently purchased, it’s hopefully set to reopen sometime soon.
Several deposits were also found and mined in New South Wales, although the state is known for its other precious gemstones (more on that later). Small amounts of diamond have also historically been discovered in Victoria and South Australia. Majority of deposits in these states were found by gold miners over a hundred years ago, and aren't active sites in modern day.
Lab Grown Diamonds In Australia
Diamonds aren’t just formed underground, but also in laboratories across Australia. These lab grown diamonds present a new avenue for diamond jewellery making in the country.
Lab grown diamonds can be formed in a matter of weeks, and are chemically identical to mined variants. There are some small differences in the formation that gemmologists are able to detect, but to the naked eye they are exactly the same as natural diamonds.
Lab diamonds are an important part of Australia’s production of diamonds, as they are a great alternative for the sustainably conscious. As technology develops, the man-made creation of diamonds grows more sustainable and efficient. Thankfully, the same is true for our production of natural diamonds, with Australia committing to sustainable mining in recent years.
Have a look at our Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds collection to see for yourself how nice these man-made gemstones can look. Just like other famous Australian diamonds, these stones can come in a variety of stunning colours to enjoy and love.
Gemstones Found In Australia
You can find a rainbow of colour deep within Australia. Not only are we world-famous for our pink and yellow diamonds, but we have plenty more colour to be used in our gemstone jewellery.
Perhaps what the country is most famous for is opal. Mainly located in the central areas of Australia, opals are beautiful stones with a distinctive ‘play-of-colour’ that gives them a rainbow effect on their surface.
Coober Pedy in South Australia is the biggest source of opals in the world, famed for its beautiful white and multicoloured stones. Black opal is found in Lightning Ridge, NSW, and is known for its rarity and exceptional beauty.
The opal is Australia's national gemstone, but we are known for other precious gems, too. Mines in NSW provide gemstones for sapphire jewellery, emerald jewellery and even vibrant ruby jewellery. Natural black sapphires are other prominent and unique stones that are found mainly in Australia, known for their deep colour.
Topaz can be found in Queensland, displaying lovely bright yellow or cool blue tones that can be treated for an amazing colour. Elsewhere, garnets are mined in the Northern Territory, and lovely green jade can be found in South Australia.
Australia, being such a beautiful and unique place, has a deep underground history. These gemstones have made their way to surface after potentially billions of years, showing amazing colours and crystal clear appearance. Some of our gemstones like pink and yellow diamonds, or black opal, are hardly found anywhere else in the world but Australia. That’s pretty special.
