Gold Rat Metal Detectors is located 6/50 Freda Street Upper Mount Gravatt. Gold Rat Engineering is located 4/16 Redcliffe Gardens Drive Clontarf This is where you will see the largest range of your highbankers, sluices and accessories
This weekend is a long weekend here in QLD so both stores wikll be closed on Monday 7th October - all orders placed during this time will be processed when we return Tuesday.

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Some Awesome Aussie GPX 6000 Finds

Some Awesome Aussie GPX 6000 Finds

* Some Awesome Aussie GPX 6000 Finds *

(Updated in Oct. 2024)

The Minelab GPX 6000 Pulse-Induction detector has now been available in Australia for about 3 years. In that time some awesome nuggets have been unearthed throughout Australia. Some of these significant finds have been publicised, and not surprisingly, many fantastic finds have not been publicised for various reasons. 

In August 2024, MINELAB Australia Detexpert, "Luke" (of 'Dig It Detecting') used his MINELAB GPX 6000 + GPX11" mono coil to detect a large gold specimen ( 868 grams 27.9 Ounces ) in Victoria. It is understood that this was only Luke's 7th outing with his GPX 6000 detector.

NOW THAT'S GOLD ! ! ! 

LIFE CHANGING GOLD NUGGET FOUND! (youtube.com)

 

Several big chunks of gold have also been found in Western Australia.

 

Below are some of the Minelab GPX 6000 finds that have been shared online:

The big nugget shown in the two photos above reportedly weighs  about 13 Ounces  (about 0.4 kg).  My "guesstimation" is that the total weight of all of the above nuggets would be  at least 30 Ounces !

 

 

The nugget shown in the above two photos was detected using the GPX11" coil at a depth of about 1.5 feet.

 

"Found with the GPX6000 and 400mm deep. Beautiful piece of WA gold."

 

Below are some more finds using the GPX 6000:

“Here are two of the nicest bits for the season, biggest is 5.5 oz (171.2g) and the other is just over an ounce (35.5g). Both found with a 6000 while pushing. Interestingly the big bit was laying flat, in a crevice in a rock bar, about 60 cm down I suppose (from the bottom of the push) but it was not an inverted signal, and I have no idea why.

Every other solid bit I've got from a gram or so up has been an inverted signal. It started off as a normal up down signal, sounded very OK like a few gram specie 10 inches or so down, good but not outstanding. It just got louder and louder the deeper I got. By about 40-50 cm down I knew it was going to be a better bit, maybe an ounce or two even, and I was convinced that it had to be a specie as the signal wasn't inverted.

The pinpointer was going crazy over a red rock stuck in the crack and I couldn't see any gold yet so I was convinced it was under the rock, got the biggest shock when I got that rock out and felt the weight. It was flat and heavy and clearly a nugget but even after giving it a wash I still couldn't see any gold.

Took a couple of days in alibright for the red coating to dissolve. It has about 6 g of rock in it based on an SG test so it's technically a specie but I'm happy to call it a nugget. The smaller bit was in a different spot, in old wash, probably 70 cm or so down from the surface. I had pushed it though so I only had to dig a few inches. Before I dug it I tried detecting it from the surface level and got no response. Had to be down another 6 inches or so before any signal but it was inverted all the way. The bit was in a small crack but standing upright on it's side and it looked bright and shiny like it does now when it was still stuck in the hole.”

 

 

 

Above photo - Several ounces of gold recently detected by one of our customers using their new GPX 6000 in Western Australia.

 

An old Aussie gold prospector (who has used all of Minelab’s other pulse-induction detectors over the past decade (e.g. SDC 2300, GPX 5000 & GPZ 7000) has also used the GPX 6000 in Western Australia for 118 days (about 1,000hrs of swinging) and on 100 of those days, his GPX 6000 detected 854 gold nuggets in highly mineralised ground. He mostly used the large Minelab GPX17x13” elliptical Mono coil for excellent ground coverage (“patch hunting”) and depth capability. In fact, the GPX17 coil easily detected two spherical-shaped nuggets (a 5-grammer, and a 6 grammer) at depths of between 40cm and 45cm in highly mineralised ground north of Kalgoorlie. The GPX17 coil also picks up the small bits too – using the proven “Low & Slow” technique. He also found the GPX14 DD coil excellent for use in salty/conductive ground (where it was almost impossible to run a Mono coil), as well as in areas within/nearby high electromagnetic interference (EMI).

 

 

Liz Pickthall spends her spare time detecting in the central goldfields of Victoria.

"I finally had seen and heard enough, and at the age of 28 I decided to go out and invest in my first detector. Only then did I realise my true love for it, and I’ve been addicted ever since. As the years went by and my love for detecting grew, I started to work less and detect more.

After upgrading my metal detector to the GPX 6000, I was keen to upgrade my coil as well. I waited for the release of all brands of coils, and was lucky enough to be able to try before I bought two different coils – one of which was the Coiltek 9” GOLDHAWK.

It didn’t take me long to see that it was the standout performer in all areas including weight and sensitivity – and it worked wonders on all ground types in the Victorian goldfields. I was so impressed by how quiet it ran for such a sensitive coil. The 9” coil has found gold in the most ‘flogged out’ areas, with the coil’s size making it so easy to get in tight areas under and around bushes and trees.”

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine how many tens-of-thousands of gold nuggets (& specimens) have been found throughout Australia over only the past 3 years using the mighty Minelab GPX 6000 detector.

Imagine how many more huge chunks of gold are still out there throughout Australia - that have never had a GPX 6000 scan over them !

To boot ..... there are now  SEVEN  (7)  different coils available for the GPX 6000.  Even better - four of these new coils are AUSSIE-MADE.

Coupled with a super-low 1.225 kHz operating frequency of the GPX 6000 - it's no wonder the GPX 6000 is a gold magnet !     (By comparison the GPX 5000 "is configured to operate at a fundamental operating frequency of 5 kHz", and the GPZ 7000 "is configured to operate at a fundamental operating frequency of 3.675 kHz”, whereas for the SDC 2300 "the transmit frequency is about 3 kHz")

With the gold price at an all-time-ever record high (of over AU $3,900 per Ounce in October 2024)  -  you only need to find about 2.3 ounces of gold to cover your investment cost of a new GPX 6000.

 

The Range of Minelab Headphones

The Range of Minelab Headphones

 The Range of Minelab Headphones

Minelab manufacture an extensive range of about 20 different models of metal detectors, including a range of Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology detectors, and also a range of detectors featuring Pulse Induction (P.I.) technology. 

Nearly half of the range of Minelab metal detectors also include wireless Bluetooth headphones in the detector kit when purchased new.

Gold Rat’ stock a range of Minelab headphones:

Minelab Koss UR-30 (cable) headphones are compatible for the SD/GP/GPX series detectors, and also the SDC2300, GPZ 7000, CTX 3030, Safari, E-TRAC and X-TERRA series detectors.

 

ML 80 wireless headphones 

The Minelab ML 80 Low Latency (Bluetooth aptX) wireless headphones are compatible for use with EQUINOX 600, EQUINOX 800 and Vanquish 540 detectors. The ML80 headphones will not work with the Equinox 700 and 900.

 

ML 85 and ML 105 wireless headphones 

The Minelab ML 85 & ML105 Low Latency wireless headphones are both compatible for use with MANTICORE, EQUINOX 900, EQUINOX 700 and X-TERRA PRO detectors. The ML85 & ML105 headphones are not compatible with Minelab Equinox 600/800 detectors – that are compatible with the ML80 or ML100 Bluetooth headphones.

 

 

 

ML 100 headphones for the GPX 6000 detector (Bluetooth aptX Low-Latency).

The ML 100 headphones will operate for approximately 24 hours on a fully charged battery and take around 3.5 hours to charge.

The GPX 6000 can pair and connect with normal (A2DP) Bluetooth headphones and other aptX Low Latency Bluetooth headphones, including the Minelab ML 80 headphones. When connected to aptX Low Latency headphones, there will be a + symbol next to the Bluetooth icon on the detector LCD screen to indicate this.

 

 

Waterproof Headphones - compatible for use with MANTICORE, EQUINOX series and X-TERRA PRO detectors.

 

 

Minelab Pro-Sonic Universal Wireless Audio System Kit

The Pro-Sonic wireless audio system is compatible with many Minelab detectors including the SDC 2300, GPX series, Gold Monster 1000, GPZ 7000, and X-TERRA series.

 

 

 

Gold Rat’ also stock a range of other brands of headphones that are compatible with Minelab detectors:

MDX150 headphones:

The MDX150 wired (cable) headphones were designed for the Minelab GPX6000 metal detector (not waterproof). They are also compatible with the Minelab Equinox series (600/700/800/900) detectors, and also the new Minelab X-Terra Pro detector. These are an affordable, and comfortable set of reliable wired headphones, with crystal clear audio, and loud volume across the full range of tones. These headphones can not be used underwater.

 

 

SteelPhase Pro Series headphones (300 Ohm)

'Phase Technical' is an Australian business that is owned and operated by experienced detectorist and product tester, Nenad Lonic. Nenad Lonic is extremely knowledgeable about Minelab detectors. He is also a manufacturer of quality detector accessories under his own 'SteelPhase' brand name.

The 'SteelPhase' Pro Series headphones are built using high quality aviator muffs for excellent comfort and sound isolation. Highly sensitive 300 Ohm driver elements are used to deliver crisp signal responses. They have a nice bass response as well, for a punchy response on those deep signals.

Designed to be an ideal match to the SteelPhase sP01 'Audio Enhancement System', but will also work direct into detectors which have good volume output such as the GPZ7000, GPX4500/4800/5000, as well as VLF detectors.

The Pro Series features gel/foam filled ear pads and headband, a feature not previously available on prospecting headphones, which offers extreme comfort for extended periods of use.

Adaptor Leads are required for use with the SDC2300, and the GPX6000.

 

 

Gray Ghost Amphibian II Headphones

Gray Ghost Amphibian II Headphones are 100% waterproof and totally submersible to a maximum of 200 feet. They feature a convenient foldable design, and are made in the USA.

 

 

Have I Found a Meteorite ?

Have I Found a Meteorite ?

Have I Found a Meteorite ?

(UPDATED - August 2024)
Below are some links to websites containing informative guides on how to identify a meteorite:

 

The Differences between a Meteorite, and an Impactite, and a Tektite
In the simplest terms –

A Meteorite is a piece of rock or metal that has fallen to the earth's surface from outer space as a meteor. Not all meteorites consist of metals. Most meteorites (about 95%) that have been recovered on Earth are of the ‘Stony’ type.

Meteorites of high density are heavier, and strongly attracted to a magnet due to the amount of Iron and Nickel they contain. Most of the largest meteorites ever recovered on the mainland of Australia are of the Iron-Nickel Type. These are one of the least common types of meteorites found (only about 4% are of the Iron-nickel type). In fact, the largest recorded meteorite found in Australia was officially discovered in 1966 and it weighed over 12-Tonnes.

 

A Tektite is a terrestrial molten rock fragment ejected out of the crater during a meteor impacts.

Tektites are small, black blobs that might pass for hardened bits of asphalt but they are actually glassy stones. They commonly take on distinctive regular shapes like teardrops, jelly-beans, dumbbells, and interesting flanged buttons that look like the tops of large rivets with the stems melted off. Tektites are found strewn about on the ground in widely separated "fields" around the world, the largest of which covers most of Australia. Many prospectors find tektites throughout Central Australia and the south part of Western Australia.


An Impactite is a terrestrial rock modified by the high stresses of pressure and temperature during a meteorite impact. It is generally the rocks present in the impact crater. It can also include brecciated rock materials, and shatter cones.


XRF Testing of Metallic Specimens
Some jewellers, and gold/jewellery buyers, use a portable/handheld X-Ray Fluorescence analyser (commonly called an “XRF gun”) to non-destructively test items - in order to determine their metallic composition. XRF guns can cost in the order of tens-of-thousands of dollars to buy.

Accordingly, suspected metallic meteorites can be tested by an XRF gun to quantify the percentages of metals present.
If you have a piece of metal that does attract a magnet, and you want to know if it is an iron-nickel meteorite - then you could try and obtain an XRF analysis for the elements of: Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), and Manganese (Mn).

Iron-nickel meteorites will typically contain about: 75 to 95% Fe, 5 to 25% Ni, 0.2 to 2% Co, and less than 0.05 % each of Cr and Mn. The nickel/cobalt ratio in meteoritic metal is usually in the 10 to 25 range. If the metal contains more than 0.05% Chromium or Manganese - then it is NOT a meteorite.

Recently, a customer visited our store to seek advice about some interesting metallic specimens he had detected in Queensland. The customer suspected they may have been iron-nickel meteorites. I was informed that the specimens were very heavy, and very-strongly attracted to a magnet. I was advised that subsequent XRF analysis results indicated the following composition: Fe 97.65%, Mn 1.2%, Ni 0.68% and Cr 0.56%. Based on the absence of Cobalt, and also the Manganese & Chromium contents both significantly exceeding 0.05% - these XRF results indicated that the subject tested specimen is NOT an iron-nickel meteorite.


What is a Widmanstätten pattern ?
The Widmanstätten pattern (also known as Thomson structures) is a distinctive formation of interweaving (cross-hatched) lines that appear in some Iron-Nickel meteorites when a cut & polished cross-section of such a metallic meteorite is etched with weak acid.

The methods used to reveal the Widmanstätten pattern in iron meteorites vary. Most commonly, the meteorite is firstly faceted or cut/sliced, then an exposed face is ground and polished, then cleaned, and etched with an acidic etchant (e.g. a mixture of 1-part Hydrochloric Acid, added to 2-parts Hydrogen Peroxide in a non-metallic container). Then the prepared specimen is washed, and dried.


Can I keep a meteorite I found in Australia ?
That depends on WHEN ?  HOW ?  and WHERE ? you found a meteorite in Australia.
Most of the States (and Territories) in Australia have laws (since from about the 1970’s/1980’s) which deem any meteorites found in those particular States to be the property of the Crown or State.

However, those laws do not apply to other specimens like Tektites (Australites) and Impactites – that are also often formed when a meteorite impacts the ground. Sometimes Tektites and Impactites are also found near an impact crater.

Queensland’s Fossicking laws prohibit the collection of meteorites in Queensland whilst fossicking.

However, it is my understanding that if a person was in Queensland or New South Wales, AND was lawfully permitted to be upon such land AND also permitted to remove any specimens found on such land, AND if by way of chance discovery (e.g. NOT fossicking in Queensland) found a suspected/unconfirmed specimen – then they would be able to take possession of such a specimen.

Can I lawfully sell a meteorite I found/acquired in Australia ?
If you lawfully found a meteorite in Australia, or lawfully acquired a meteorite within Australia – then you are lawfully permitted to sell the subject meteorite within Australia.

In 2021, an ABC News report was published online stating that in 2016 two men, who were reportedly fossicking for gold on Western Creek Station, near Georgetown in North Queensland, detected (using a Minelab pulse-induction metal detector) a meteorite weighing 24.3 kilograms. It was also reported that they sold this Iron-nickel meteorite to ‘Geoscience Australia’ for AU$200,000 (i.e. over AU$8 per gram).

Similarly, to the above 24.3kg meteorite being detected on Western Creek Station – in April 2016 I was informed by an Australian prospector that in early 2016 he was gold prospecting using a Minelab GPX 5000 detector on the eastern part of Western Creek Station (near Georgetown) where he detected a 9.6kg metallic specimen (a suspected Iron-Nickel meteorite) at a depth of about 0.4 metres.

The sale of a meteorite in Australia to an overseas buyer is prohibited without an official export permit pursuant to Commonwealth laws.

Recent Unusual Meteor Sighting in Australia
In May 2023 it was reported that a fireball lit up the sky in Queensland between Mackay and the Gulf of Carpentaria. NASA confirmed that this meteor was the LARGEST recorded over Australia in at least 30 years.

When it exploded, the meteor had an altitude of about 30 kilometres above Blackbull, a small rural locality between the Gulf communities of Normanton and Croydon, in north-west Queensland.

The data also revealed the meteor was travelling at a velocity of almost 30 kilometres per second. Scientists estimated that the meteor had a diameter of about 3.5 metres (of equivalent size to an average caravan) and weighed about 80 tonnes.

My further enquiries with NASA obtained additional data indicating that when the meteor was detected travelling from an altitude of 100km, down to 30km altitude, it was heading approximately Westwards (with an approximate bearing of 280 degrees), whilst falling at an angle of about 40 degrees.

Due to the blue and green colours of the meteor fireball observed, it is suspected by scientists that this meteorite was a metallic (Iron-nickel) meteorite.

Will fragments of this meteorite be found in Queensland ? - including perhaps by someone using a metal detector ?


NASA data also indicates that in recent years (since 2014), there have been several significant fireball events detected in North Queensland.



Where in Australia have meteorites been found ?
The following free on-line search database contains over 700 records of various types/sizes (and photos of) meteorites that were found in Australia over the past few centuries: 

https://encyclopedia-of-meteorites.com/Meteorites

In recent years a few large meteorites have been detected on Western Creek Station in North Queensland by gold prospectors using Minelab detectors featuring pulse-induction technology.

One of our customers recently advised me that he had found an approx. 1kg specimen of the rare 'Georgetown' iron-nickel type meteorite on Western Creek Station. He subsequently, and very kindly, donated it to the Queensland Museum.




Suitable Detectors & Coils for Meteorite Hunting
Meteorites containing sufficient quantities of iron/nickel (including the 'Stony-Irons' Meteorite Types) are detectable with a metal detector. Since metallic meteorite fragments are sometimes strewn about an impact crater, often for many kilometres away from the crater, then a suitable metal detector is a lightweight detector with a large coil – which is ideal for quicker ground coverage, and also greater depth capability.

Many meteorite hunters use a lightweight, Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology detector fitted with a 15-inch DD coil or larger.

Recently released Minelab VLF detectors – which can operate using a variety of DD coils ranging in size from 6 inch diameter, up to 18 inch diameter - include the X-TERRA PRO ($499), X-TERRA ELITE ($849), Equinox 700 ($1,099), and Equinox 900 ($1,599) and MANTICORE ($2,399).

Both Minelab, and Coiltek, manufacture a 15-inch diameter coil for these VLF detectors – priced at about $400 to $450.

 

 

Furthermore, in about early December 2023, Coiltek released a new BIGGER coil - the  Coiltek 18" NOX coil  ($470). It is a DD configuration coil of 18-inches (45cm) diameter - that is also compatible with the Minelab Equinox range of detectors, and also the Minelab X-TERRA PRO detector, and also the Minelab X-TERRA ELITE detector. This coil weighs nearly 1kg, is rated as waterproof to a depth of up to 5 metres, and carries a Coiltek Warranty for 2 years.

 

Additionally, in August 2024, Coiltek announced the pending-release of a new, round 18" DD configuration coil - named the " MYTHTEK " coil - which is compatible for only the MINELAB Manticore detector. It will cost about $525.

 

You don’t necessarily need a more expensive & heavier Pulse Induction (P.I.) technology metal detector to detect metallic meteorites. Other than a VLF detector, some meteorite hunters also use a lightweight, telescopic walking stick – fitted with a strong, rare-earth magnet attached near the end closest to the ground.

Tektites (which are of a glassy composition) are not detectable by a metal detector. Most are found by sight – often discovered washed down to low points (“sumps”) in the terrain (e.g. gullies or clay pans or salt lakes).


Many prospectors detect so-called “Hot Rocks” throughout Australia. Often many prospectors will simply discard such metallic specimens without further examination of them.

Mostly, such “Hot Rocks” are of terrestrial origin, and sometimes they can contain minerals such as gold. I have detected several hot rocks in W.A., and upon breaking them, I found they contained gold either in the form of a nugget, or a specimen, or concentrated gold mineralisation.

If such hot rocks are very heavy (e.g. like the weight of iron steel), and also highly magnetic, and also have smooth indentations (called “regmaglypts”) on the outer surface - then perhaps the specimen may be more than just a highly-mineralised, terrestrial hot rock ? ….. possibly a meteorite ?

Meteorites containing Gold ? ?
Over the decades, I have heard many explanations/theories (including from experienced geologists and prospectors) on how gold was formed on planet Earth. Most theories relate to terrestrial formation processes. In recent years, some scientists believe that gold was deposited upon earth by meteorites. A study published in 2011 suggested that:

"A massive meteor bombardment 3.9 billion years ago provided most of the gold and other precious metals found near the Earth's surface today"

Interestingly, a United States Geological Survey report published in 1968 stated that:

"The reported gold contents of meteorites range from 0.0003 to 8.74 parts per million. Gold is siderophilic, and the greatest amounts in meteorites are in the iron phases. Estimates of the gold content of the earth's crust are in the range of 0.001 to 0.006 parts per million."

 

 

 Further Reference Information:

Here is a link to electronic copies of the ' Meteorite Times Magazine ' - over 100 PDF copies from the years 2010 to 2024 inclusive.

 

Minelab Detector Options and Accessories for the Hearing Impaired

Minelab Detector Options and Accessories for the Hearing Impaired

Minelab Detector Options & Accessories for the Hearing Impaired

 

A hearing impairment alone should not prevent a person from effectively using a metal detector. Furthermore, digging up gold nuggets, or coins, or jewellery, or relics, certainly does not require hearing.

With tactile/vibrational feedback solutions now available, there is a range of options of new Minelab detectors for people with hearing impairment.

Recently released Minelab detectors - with the optional feature of  HANDLE VIBRATION  - include the  X-TERRA PRO  ($499), and  Equinox 700  ($1,079), and  Equinox 900  ($1,549), and  MANTICORE  ($2,349).

 

 

There is also the unique  Minelab SDC 2300  ($3,999) – a highly compact, robust, & waterproof detector, featuring extremely fast Pulse-Induction (PI) technology - that is especially suited for sub-gram gold nugget hunting on land and underwater – which features an LED display (above the handle) that provides a visual indication of target size & proximity. This detector has been very popular, particularly in Australia, for many good reasons.


 

 

‘LUCKY KNUCKLE’ Speaker/Target LED Light packs
The Target LED Light Pack allows you to change the audio from your detector to a visual indicator. This is ideal for those with hearing issues, or those who prefer quiet detecting. Features include:
•    Adjustable between light & sound
•    Sound On/Off switch
•    Light sunshade & diffuser
The 3 LED Light pack is suitable for the Minelab SDC 2300 and GPZ 7000 detectors.
The 2 LED Light pack is suitable for the Minelab SDC 2300, GPX 4500/5000, and GPZ 7000 detectors.

 



Gold-Tec Australia’ “have developed and designed hearing impairment aid device using the latest Audio/ Haptic Technology to help you with your partial or profound hearing loss.” …..
The QUAVAR-PI is design for persons with a hearing impairment, who are or desire to be Detectorists. The device offers tactile perception delivered by an haptic transducer to the operator. The detector does not require to be operated without audio. The QUAVAR-PI has the ability to discern between proper and false targets. For beginners this aid will make it easier in reducing false targets and having to do less digging.”

 

Bone Conduction Headsets

Another option to consider is the use of Bone Conduction Headphones, including an option of wireless connectivity via aptX Low Latency codec. Minelab detectors such as the X-Terra Pro, Equinox range, MANTICORE, and GPX 6000 are compatible with aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.

Bone conduction headphones use vibrations to transmit sound directly to your inner ear through the bones located in your upper cheek and jaw. Your cochlea, inner ear, does not realise that the sound is coming from the bones rather than the eardrum. Your brain processes the sounds vibrations in the same way as if they came via your ear-drum, meaning you can hear sound clearly.

 

 

Pin Pointers
There is also a range of waterproof, hand-held pin-pointers – that feature both vibrational & LED light functions, including:

Minelab PRO-FIND 35
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
Garrett Pro-Pointer II
Nokta Pointer
Nokta PulseDive Pointer
Nokta PulseDive 2-in-1 Underwater Metal Detector

 

 

So please don’t let a hearing issue prevent you, or a family-member, or a friend, from pursuing a passion for metal detecting or prospecting.  You may be more than surprised at what you find !