Height
3 meters
Year Built
1990
Address
Heritage Road, Rubyvale, QLD 4702
The Lowdown
The Big Sapphire at Rubyvale celebrates the Central Queensland Gemfields - one of the world's most significant sapphire deposits. This dazzling blue sculpture represents the precious stones that have been mined in the region since the 1890s, when sapphires were discovered in the volcanic soils. The Sapphire Gemfields, including Rubyvale, Sapphire, and Anakie, produce around 70% of the world's blue sapphires. The Big Sapphire invites visitors to try their luck fossicking for their own gems, continuing a tradition that has drawn treasure hunters to this red dirt country for over a century.
Did you know?
"You can fossick for your own sapphires"
History
Sapphires were discovered in the Anakie area in the 1890s. The Gemfields have produced world-class sapphires ever since, with fossickers still finding gems today. The Big Sapphire celebrates this gemstone heritage.
More Fun Facts
- •The Queensland Gemfields produce 70% of the world's sapphires
- •Sapphires were discovered here in 1875
- •You can fossick for your own sapphires
- •Star sapphires and parti sapphires are found here
- •The volcanic soil contains sapphire-bearing gravel
Visiting Tips
- 💡Try fossicking - many tours include equipment
- 💡Visit the underground hospital at Rubyvale
- 💡Buy gemstones directly from local cutters
- 💡Stay overnight to fossick multiple times
- 💡Carnarvon Gorge is within driving distance
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
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Big Golden Gumboot
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Big Lizzie
Australia's largest traction engine at Red Cliffs, VIC, a working piece of pioneering history.