54097.0 - 4 piece set Australian NATURAL Turquoise NOT treated, very rare, Pear shape + Oval + Pair of drops 32.32 carats "TurqOZ" for sale

This Turquoise, "TurqOZ", was mined by a public company in the early/mid 1970's and apparently is the only commercial Turquoise mine that has operated in Australia although the core of the mining operation was centered around mining for Zinc.

Many tons were purchased and shipped by a gem export company to the USA, by AIRFREIGHT... in 44 gallon drums!

The mine was, however, forced to close down when approaching an Aboriginal sacred site and it's possible the mine ran out of Zinc and was no longer profitable.

All of the rough that the company had on hand when it seized mining, was purchased and stored away; becoming another classic case of my "out of sight, out of mind".

Until now, after 40 years "in hibernation", it is offered for sale.