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While the sapphire rush of the 1890s is long gone, these modern gem hunters are still eager to strike it lucky and enjoy the colourful lifestyle of Queensland's Gemfields.

Hollywood depicts it as miners brandishing rifles and bulldozers clashing amid exploding outhouses, but locals say that version has taken poetic licence. Here's what really happened during the 1970s, when interest in Australia's gems exploded.

Experts believe the humpback whale population has reached record heights, after commercial whaling from the late 1800s to the 1960s pushed the animals to the "brink of extinction".

Amber Betteridge lives on a mining claim in Queensland's Gemfields with her young family. She says a state government plan to cap small mining claim tenures could put her family's future at risk.

More human remains found in search for murder cold case.

The discovery comes after police confirmed a breakthrough on Tuesday into the disappearance of Francis "Frank" Foley, offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Police are hopeful they'll solve the mystery of Frank Foley's murder.

Human remains located by a fossicker last year have been linked to Frank Foley's close-living relatives, and police will conduct a forensic search at the site today. 

The sapphire miner is known in central Queensland for his famous gem collection, but cars are where the self-proclaimed revhead's true passion lies.

Gemfields residents heard the tale of a 424-carat sapphire being found, but thought it was a tourism ploy. It turns out the stone is real and the lucky finder has returned to set the record straight. 

Queensland's Gemfields is one of the world's most significant sapphire-bearing regions. It has produced some world-famous gems, including the largest black sapphire ever found.

This New Zealand couple bought a small-scale mining claim and spend every winter digging for precious gems, but what is married life like when you're working 12 metres underground on Queensland's Gemfields?

A temporary ban on new small-scale mining claims is about to be lifted, as the Queensland government releases proposals to crack down on "cowboys".

Matt Betteridge was on an evening walk in Queensland's Gemfields when he spotted a "glimmer sticking out of the dirt" that turned out to a very rare 834-carat sapphire.

Rare 834-carat sapphire found

The industry says consumers are looking for ethical gems and an African export ban on rough sapphires is also increasing prices.

Queensland's Gemfields region is one of the largest sapphire-bearing areas in the world. Locals say prices have risen tenfold, but what's behind the growing appreciation of the Australian stone?

Liz and Steve Evans made the "terrifying" decision to pack up their life and hit the road with their two young children. And the way they are funding it is a little outside the box.

Liz and Steve Evans made the 'terrifying' decision to pack up a caravan, put the rest of their life in storage and hit the road with their two young children. While this Aussie dream isn't unusual, the way they're funding their trip is a little more unique.

A 12-month ban on new mining claims worries Queensland communities where mining is the lifeblood of the local economy.

A brand new, $300,000 early warning system for flood and fire emergencies was installed and tested in 2020 — but as an emergency flood unfolded on Wednesday morning, no alarm sounded.

Pensioner Kingsley Fancourt spends his days digging for precious stones. He is one of the hundreds of people living in Australia's last miners' common, still searching for that elusive treasure.

Queensland's Gemfields is known for precious stones, but beneath the promise of striking it rich its vulnerable, ageing population struggles to access fresh, nutritious food, and eats "chips and dips" to survive.

Riley Pustak says a lack of services to help young people experiencing mental health issues in his rural Queensland town inspired him to start Green Space and Youthinc Emerald 1825.

The story of a rare sapphire found in Queensland's Gemfields more than 80 years ago captures the hearts of enthusiasts at a nationally renowned gem festival.