Some Examples of Heritage Stones from Australia

Abstract

The earliest human use of stone in Australia can be traced to Australia’s indigenous peoples. At least one example has been recorded of a “greenstone” being traded over a wide area for use as stone axes. With the establishment of British colonies in Australia from the late 18th century, a variety of additional stone types have been widely utilised. The city of Sydney was established on highly durable sandstone and “Sydney sandstone” has since been widely used in Sydney with subsequent exports around Australia and internationally. A similar situation has occurred with “Victorian Bluestone” in Melbourne where late Cenozoic basalt underlies parts of the city with a vast extension to the west. Given its lack of timber, South Australia has had Australia’s most extensive use of building stone with many varieties having been utilised. Notably roofing slate was supplied from the South Australia’s Willunga district as early as 1840. Mintaro Slate also from South Australia has also been utilised for sills, steps, paving and billiard tables across Australia since 1852. Granite has been quarried since the mid-19th century in Victoria. Over the past 75 years, several new siliceous rocks have begun to be quarried in South Australia. In this category, there is Imperial Black Granite and Calca Red Granite which have been widely used nationally with some international usage. One Australian gemstone also has major heritage significance. It is precious opal; a stone that has already been recognised through its designation as “national gemstone” by Government proclamation in 1993.