The Thunderegg mine at Thunderbird Park is available to the public to search for their very own timeless treasures.
Thunderbird Park sits on the largest deposit of thundereggs in the world. The mineral rich seam that runs through Mount Tamborine was discovered at Thunderbird Park in 1967. Thunderbird Park, a 300m by 50m open-cut mine has an endless supply of beautiful Thundereggs.
Whether you’re on your own or with the family, fossicking for Thundereggs is an activity to be enjoyed by everyone.
Thunderbird Park is a 320-acre tourist retreat offering a range of activities including tai-chi, massages, painting workshops, archery, volleyball, tennis, mini golf, rainforest bushwalks leading to rock pools,a bar, a restaurant, souvenir shops and excellent motel, lodge and caravan park-style accommodation.
In the Thunderegg mine, visitors can go fossicking for Thundereggs.
What are Thundereggs?
Thundereggs are roughly spherical volcanic rocks with an internal crystalline cavity full of agate, quartz or chalcedony. They usually contain centres of chalcedony in the form of agate, jasper or opal either uniquely or in combination. Also frequently encountered are quartz and selenite crystals, as well as various other mineral growths and inclusions.
Thundereggs usually look like ordinary rocks on the outside, but slicing them in half and polishing them may reveal intricate patterns and colors.
The formation of Thundereggs is much of a mystery, but it is thought that during volcanic upheavals in far-off times bubbles formed in silica-rich material and as cooling took place hot gases and steam expanded nodules in which they were trapped, and in these cavities some mineral structures joined together.
Shrinkage of the material on cooling produced the star-shaped cavity which is characteristic of many Thundereggs.
Silica rich mineral entered the cavity, and solidified into chalcedony, jasper, quartz, agates and other beautiful minerals. Crystals were deposited on the walls, and the repetition of these processes produced the interesting patterns and colours which give Thundereggs their universal appeal.
There's no time like the present to explore the treasures of the past!
Thunderegg Mine Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 9:00am to 4:00pm (last entry to mine is at 2:30pm) subject to demand and weather conditions.
Address: Corner of Tamborine Mountain Road and Cedar Creek Falls Road Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Phone: 07 55457999 Email: reservations@cedarcreeklodges.com.au
Website: www.thunderbirdpark.com/thunderegg-mine/