One of The Rarest Rocks on Earth

#newsouthwales #geologicalphenomenon #volcano

In this video, we take you on a journey into the incredible geological history of Nundorite, a rock so rare that it’s only found in one small outcrop in the rugged landscapes of western New South Wales, Australia. Known for its unique mineral composition and mysterious origins, Nundorite is a true geological oddity, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient tectonic activity, magmatic processes, and the formation of critical minerals like zirconium, niobium, and rare earth elements (REEs).

This one-of-a-kind rock is part of the Mount Arrowsmith Volcanics, a volcanic unit formed over 580 million years ago during the rifting of the supercontinent Rodinia. The Wonnaminta Zone, within the famous Koonenberry Belt, hosts this geological gem. Through detailed research and exploration, we reveal how Nundorite formed through extreme magmatic evolution and fractionation, making it a true oddity in the world of geology. Nundorite is key to understanding rift-related mineral deposits.
We examine the magmatic processes, such as mantle melting and crystal fractionation, that gave this unique rock its distinctive composition.

Additionally, we uncover the significant role of the Koonenberry Belt in shaping Australia’s rich geological history and its importance in understanding ancient tectonic activity and rare mineral deposits.

Why is Nundorite Important?
Nundorite is more than just a rare rock—it’s a geological time capsule. Its formation offers critical insights into the processes that create rare mineral deposits, essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy and electronics. Understanding its origins helps us better explore for critical mineral resources in rift-related systems worldwide.

If you love geology, this is a must-watch video. We break down the science in an engaging, easy-to-understand way while showcasing the rare beauty of this incredible rock. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the fascinating world of Earth’s geology.

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🌏 About OzGeology
OzGeology is an Australian-based YouTube channel that specializes in creating high-quality documentaries on Earth sciences and natural disasters. The content is designed to be easy to digest and covers a wide range of topics, not only focusing on geology but occasionally exploring other scientific areas as well.

00:00-01:29 - Introduction to Nundorite & Brief Geological Background
01:30-02:15 - Comparison Between Nundorite & Granite
02:16-03:36 - What Makes Nundorite Stand Out As A Geological Oddity
03:37-04:36 - The Five Theories Proposed To Explain Nundorite's Formation
04:37-06:02 - The Geology Behind Nundorite's Formation: A Failed Continental Rift Zone
06:03-07:14 - The Mountain Building Event From A Subduction Zone: The Delamerian Orogeny
07:15-07:47 - A Second Subduction Event Occurs During The Silurian: The Benambran Orogeny
07:48-09:46 - Odoo: The Best Website Builder On The Market
09:47-11:23 - Linking The Geology To The Formation of Nundorite: An Incredible Rarity
11:24-13:07 - How Nundorite Formed
13:08-13:25 - Similarities to Other Locations on Earth
13:26-14:37 - Unique Mantle Conditions That Formed Nundorite
14:38-14:53 - A Summary on Nundorite's Formation
14:54-15:55 - How An Event 830 Million Years Ago Laid The Groundwork for Nundorite
15:56-16:17 - Patreon & Youtube Membership Thank You!

[markmathews]

I once carved an access road to the top of Mt Shannon & Arrowsmith years ago for Telecom, the rocks were so sharp if you spun your wheels on the old grader it would cut your tyres to shreds, we spent a lot of time fixing tyres, they say that the Aboriginals used to trade the stone & samples were found across most of NSW

[clairewalters]

I have many pieces of nunderite in my collection. I had been told it had been found when digging a pond on Nunder Station & although ppl had dug for more in the region none was discovered. The rock hounds of the area (over 120 years ago) had it in their back sheds. My friend after he retired bought himself a helicopter & started visiting houses in the area who were part of a group who worked the nunderite they found into spheres etc. They even used the scraps from this process & resin pours to make the scraps into skulls, & this was when the use of resin was in its infancy after WW2. I have got 2 skulls from this process as well. I carry a small sphere of nunderite where ever I go. Back in the day you could find nunderite on healing crystals an American website but I have not seen any in decades. I loved watching this video & I thank you very much for the information you imparted (as in all your videos) about one of my favourite crystals. If it wasn't for the late old timers in that lapidary club & my friend with his retirement helicopter I would not have as much in my collection. Again many thanks. You should see the meteorite I found in the hills of Perth. ❤ ❤❤ love your channel.

[nocillis]

Hearing phonolite for the first time just now and literrally my jaw dropped. Fascinating!
I drove from Brisbane to Perth 3 years ago going through NSW & SA and I was absolutely in awe about this great southern land. Watching your videos amazes me just as much. Thank you for making these videos.

[lat-roc]

Sea Floor Metasomatism - good name for a band

[Sectorb]

Yep, just my thing, minerology is fascinating, geology is endlessly interesting.
Pulsed, staged, fractionated, crystallised, remelted, indurated, hydromagmagmatic fluid changes, time....,
+ + +. That's going to keep us thinking for a while.
Thanks so much for your professionalism.
Sounded like you had to acquire that hand sample yourself for imaging, if so, perhaps a " thin section" under the microscope using polarised light and a slowly rotated stage? These sort of images are real eyecatchers and would go a long way to highlighting the diversity of the range of unusual minerals that form this rare rock sample.
Bewdy mate, love rocks, love Straya.

[aaronwelch]

I enjoy reading the comments from oz, I once climbed in the Grampians Vic and found high up in rocks an undisturbed sand patch full of sea shells ! Those whom know it, are aware of its distance from the coast

[janeteholmes]

I dunno, it looks pretty remarkable to me. Reddish brown rock with green spots isn’t something you see every day.
That’s a very impressive syncline too. Fascinating!

[half_a_dozen_mars_bars]

Great video!
I've got a 100mm sphere of Nundorite that looks amazing! I've always wanted to learn more about the origin and details of this material.
Thanks for the info. 👍

[redtobertshateshandles]

My daughter frequently travels out Woopwoop.
I checked out a piece of drill sample rock she picked up once.
One is a piece with bits of metallic inclusions.

[bartylobethal]

Absolutely fascinating. I grew up in Tibooburra in the '60s and '70s and never had an inkling of any of this (the surveys probably hadn't been done). The granites of the Tibooburra Inlier and slaty gorges of the Grey Range were my playground as a child. I haven't lived in the area for decades now, but I still have extended family on various sheep/cattle properties in the district, including Mt Arrowsmith Station. Not sure if the owners/managers at Nundoora are related.

As you travel south on the Silver City Highway from Tibooburra, the Koonenberry Range rears up off the plain northeast of Packsaddle. It's quite striking. Of course, being a 'local' I've never bothered travelling off the highway to have a closer look.

[ginalou]

I understood very little of what you were speaking about but it was still interesting as hell 😊

[darrynreid]

I have only briefly heard of this in association with this old rift zone in northwestern New South Wales, but didn't know much about it. I must admit, I haven't been so excited as when you talked about the Delamerian Orogen for some time, maybe not since Antiques Roadshow was put on two channels. Thanks for putting this together, OzGeology.

[openmodalguitar]

Thanks, great info, I have several tumbled pieces one of my favourite gems and special because rare. I have read a bit about them but this was the deepest explanation

[iviewthetube]

Whenever rare minerals are found, consider impacts.

[vixtex]

Thank you for this video! Every day’s a school day💯

[tyronecull]

Love you videos mate but I was thinking the other day have you heard or read about the brook street terrane? It out crops in aus and nz and I believe a few other countries. It could make a interesting video 🤙

[seanchristie]

Another fantastic video, have you looked into Uranganite?
Certainly looks like a very nice rock once cut n polished

[tealkerberus]

You need a spon with someone who sells these interesting rocks. When I was a kid, that's the sort of thing that would be made into novelty ash trays - thankfully nobody needs those now, but if it's water stable it would make a cute vase to put some cut flowers in.

[muzikhed]

Very interesting and informative video, fasinating.

[GrotyGold]

Temora green stone is an interesting subject we are still on the hunt for it.