Mount Shadwell Quarry Olivine Fossicking

The Mortlake Information Centre organises volunteers to oversee fossickers in search of olivine (peridot) at Moyne Shire’s Mt Shadwell Quarry. Olivine is a mineral (Magnesium iron silicate) and it looks like compacted green sugar. Larger crystals are known as peridot, the birthstone of August.

Most volcanic mountains that contained olivine have long since eroded away and the heaver and harder materials including olivine have found their way into alluvial deposits. Mount Shadwell; being a young volcano, still has its olivine trapped in bombs (xenoliths) making the olivine more accessible. Olivine from Mt Shadwell is slightly higher in magnesium and as such has a richer colour than most and as such is much sort after by collectors.

Fossicking at the quarry is currently open most Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. Times available 10.00am - 1.00pm and/or 1.00pm - 4.00pm (at supervisors’ discretion.)

Booking can be made at the Mortlake Information Centre by phone. All bookings should be made by 4:00pm on Thursday immediately preceding the booking.