From their clubhouse, located inside a former volcanic crater - aka Medora Street, club secretary Ross Provis said the Bingara to Torrington area was “once considered the richest mineral belt in the world.”

Many of the local stones and minerals are well known, he explains, like gold, silver, tin, copper, crystals, diamonds and sapphires while others bear less recognisable names like rhodonite and molybdenum.

Most were generated around 240 million years ago, when an active volcano shook the region and laid down the rich black and granite red soil used for farming today. 

“Inverell is world renowned from a fossicking point-of-view,” Mr Provis said, noting the geological draw card brings tourists to the town every day. 

“And the lapidary club plays a pivotal role in guiding people to the areas.”

The diversity of minerals and pride in its wealth, has seen the local club participate in the Sapphire City Festival since the annual celebration began 61 years ago. 

This year, the club is running activities from Friday October 13 to Friday October 20, kicking off with a special three-day Gem and Craft Show at Inverell’s Pioneer Village. Visiting traders, catering and demonstrations will be on offer for the cost of a gold coin donation.

At the same time, the Lapidary Clubhouse will open its doors to the public for seven days to showcase their own extensive in-house collection geological specimens. That event kicks off at 6pm Friday when Adam Marshall MP officially opens a new lapidary facility, built at the rear of the existing clubhouse. 

From Saturday October 14 the first of seven consecutive day tours begin to local fossicking sites. Participants need to bring their own vehicle, food and medical supplies. Trips will be weather dependent (one tour requires a 4WD) and cost $10 to join.

For more information see the Inverell Sapphire City Festival booklet available from the Visitor Information Centre or visit the Inverell and District Lapidary Club website.