Fascinating Zebra Stone formations were revealed

 

Fascinating Zebra Stone formations were revealed

By Mikayla Gillett

 

There are endless experiences I could write about. However, on the second to last day we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Zebra Stone Facility near Litchfield National Park. We met Ruth and her daughter Opal who, with the help of a few other family members, run the facility.

Zebra Stone is a type of sedimentary rock, composed mainly of small particles of quartz, sericite, and hematite. Ruth told us about how there is a lot of controversy regarding the way which the Zebra Stone was formed millions of years ago, and the various theories which mathematicians and geologists have come up with. Zebra Stone is still largely a mystery to the world of science, which is one reason why it is important it is protected.

Ruth also told us about how they had a mining lease to mine the Zebra Stone but didn’t have permission to use it for tourism at this point. Their plan is to keep at least two of the current Zebra Stone deposits for tourism and mine the other two for their shop. Because it is a finite resource, it is important to make sure it is not all mined, and there is some left for future generations to see.

We had the amazing opportunity to polish our own Zebra Stone which we all took home to keep. Once sanding the stones, fascinating Zebra Stone formations were revealed.

Visiting the Zebra Stone facility was one of many great learning opportunities we had on the trip. It was fascinating to see the different climate and environment in the Northern Territory, and to also learn so much about Australia’s involvement in World War 2. The friends I made on the trip, and the amazing opportunities we were provided were such a privilege. Thank you so much to everyone involved for putting in the effort to organise the trip and for providing us with such a memorable and wonderful opportunity.