Lockdowns across the land were no match for Rockhana with Cloncurry celebrating the 16th anniversary of its famous gem and mineral festival, Rockhana.
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The festival kicked off at 10am on Friday, July 2 and will run all weekend showcasing local fossicking sites and gemstones from across the world.
Cloncurry and District Historical Society's John Walton said Rockhana was a celebration of the rich mineral wealth of the Cloncurry area which had 12 working mines with a variety of mineral ores
"We're abiding by the Covid rules but if you look around it's all Queenslanders here," Mr Walton said.
"Our big vendors from Adelaide couldn't make it, but other vendors have come from Mount Isa and they are learning."
The weekend is a celebration of local geology as well as a chance to buy some rare gems.
"Every Rockhana we celebrate one element or a mineral, in 2019 it was gold which was very popular," Mr Walton said.
"This year it is aegerine, a blue bauxite-copper and I've been told that if you put it beside your bed it has calming and soothing effect."
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell said the festival was great for locals as well as a drawcard for a lot of tourists.
"People from across the state and the country bring their gems and their wares to promote," Cr Campbell said.
Organiser Gail Wipaki thanked major sponsors Cloncurry Shire Council and Glencore's Ernest Henry Mine.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
