The complexity of Tasmania's geological history has produced an abundance of fossils, minerals and gem quality stones.
Over time, prospecting has located deposits with commercial potential while other sites are of great interest to science. Between these two live the fossickers and collectors.
In recent decades, growing interest in collecting geological specimens was recognised through the Mineral Resources Development Act, 1995, which has now set aside eleven designated fossicking sites for the long-term use of amateurs.
This book shares what one devotee has recorded over 55 years of enjoyable rockhounding in one corner of Tasmania's bush.