Ochre Pits, Glen Helen Resort, MacDonnell Region, Northern Territory, Australia
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Latitude & Longitude (WGS84): | 23° 44' 6'' South , 132° 52' 4'' East |
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Latitude & Longitude (decimal): | -23.7351530133, 132.867821669 |
The site qualifies as mining, it has just been operational for 40,000 years, compared to your local coal mine of 100 years or less. In truth, there are many ochre mines used by aboriginals across Australia, but few as easily accessible as this one. A marked tourist attraction along the Namatjira Drive, the main tourist road west of Alice Springs. The pits are 20 kilometres east of the Glen Helen Resort.
The red, yellow and white ochre can be seen lining the creek bank. The red ochre is mixed with animal fat from goannas, emus and the like, and mixed with eucalyptus leaves to relieve head colds, chest congestion, and aching muscles. The various coloured ochres are used in body decoration as part of ceremonies, like when adolescent boys would be painted with red ochre with an eagle feather, during initiation ceremonies. Ochre was also used to paint wooden weapons, to give success in hunting, and protect from termites.
The colours vary depending on the proportion or iron oxide to kaolin. Only men from the local Western Arrente tribe are permitted to take ochre from the site. Songs are sung during preparation of the material, known as Wulya (pronounced Woolya), a custom believed to enhance the material's healing powers.
Stiff penalties apply for the unauthorised removal of ochre from the site.
Mineral List
The above list contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to
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for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.
External Links
http://www.macdonellranges.com/ochre-pits-visitors-information-guide.htm
http://journeyjottings.com/blog/2012/01/are-the-ochre-pits-the-pits/
http://journeyjottings.com/blog/2012/01/are-the-ochre-pits-the-pits/