Mintabie

Mintabie, South Australia

Mintabie is 350 kilometers north-west of Coober Pedy. The host rock is kaolintic sandstone; probably Ordovician. The opal is found as seams in horizontal or arcuate (bow-shaped) levels or infilling vertical veins, which have been mined down to 25 metres (82'). The surface sandstone is very hard; requiring drilling and blasting, before being bulldozed.

Black Opal

Crystal Opal