Maffra Gemstone Collection

In specially designed display cases, you will see an important collection of mineral specimens, gemstones and fossils, the result of a lifetime of collection by Italian immigrant, Pino Deriu. Leaving Italy in 1952, this fully qualified accountant came to Australia and soon joined his brother in prospecting for opal around Coober Pedy. This led to a lifelong love of fossicking and trading minerals and gemstones. Pino's preference was to leave most of the specimens he collected in their natural state rather than have them cut, polished or mounted, which adds to the scientific value of this amazing collection.