Third annual report for EL 25151 Mulga Park for the period 25 September 2008 to 24 September 2009

Abstract

EL 25151 is currently being explored by Imperial Granite and Minerals Pty Ltd for viridine: a semi-precious gemstone. Evaluation of surface material at the Kelly Hills site, where government geologists first identified viridine, has determined that the site is very rich. However, no gem-quality material has been recovered at surface probably due to intense weathering. A small hand-held diamond drill managed to penetrate ~1 m into the viridine-bearing schist, but only revealed that most of the viridine is still weathered and heavily included with other minerals (primary inclusions). Some clearer zones were noted during microscopic analyses, however, and further investigations are warranted to determine whether gem-quality stones are preserved beneath the present weathering front.