Mortlake - Mount Shadwell Quarry Olivine Fossicking

Mount Shadwell Quarry offers the unusual opportunity to fossick for olivine crystals in the volcanic landscape near Mortlake.

Olivine is an olive-green, grey-green or brown mineral found in basalt, peridotite and other igneous rocks. Gem-quality olivine is known as peridot.

At Mount Shadwell, olivine can be found inside large rocks ejected during volcanic eruptions, known as volcanic bombs. Fossickers can search these rocks for the distinctive green crystals and take home an unusual souvenir of the volcanic landscape.

Mount Shadwell is an extinct volcano and the quarry exposes volcanic material from its eruptions. Mortlake is known as Australia's olivine capital because of the quantity and quality of olivine found in the area.

This is an operating quarry and fossicking is only available during designated public fossicking sessions. Visitors must follow all directions and safety requirements when entering the quarry.

Opening Hours:

Fossicking is available on selected dates. See the Mortlake Olivine Fossicking booking page for current dates and times.

Cost:

See the Mortlake Olivine Fossicking booking page for current prices and bookings.