OZ Encounter 08: Discover Opal Town of Australia (Part I)

The town of Coober Pedy, located in the northern part of South Australia, is also called the Opal Town of Australia.

A historical story goes like this. In January 1915, a consortium of prospectors came to explore gold in Copper Pedy. When they were camping and looking for water, Jim Hutchinson's only 14-year-old son William found a flashing colorful gorgeous gem, this gem was never seen before and never heard of by people, then they named it Opal. Over the past century, this land has attracted immigrants from Europe and other places around the world to explore the Opal mine.

Opal, the famous Australian gemstone, is one of the world top six jewels. About 95% of opals in the world are produced in Australia. The yield in Coober Pedy is covered around 80% output in Australia. The main type of opal produced in South Australia is crystal opal, which has brilliant color and transparent stone body.

OZ Encounter is a video program produced by People’s Daily Online with introductions and comprehensive information on Australia’s tourism, food, leisure culture, news etc. The program brings information on beautiful views and delicious food around Australia, lead audience to experience the unique landscape and cultural glamour of Australia with micro-video.