Policeman’s Knob – Rubyvale

Basalt on the knob
Mt Leura from Policeman’s Knob
Looking up towards the knob – littered with basalt rocks
Wallaby at Policeman’s Knob
Policeman’s track

From the top of Policeman’s Knob to the bed of Policeman’s Creek, you can begin to understand the geological origins of sapphires.

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Policeman’s Knob is one of several ancient volcanoes in this area. Formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, under intense heat and pressure, the sapphire crystals were exploded out with the ash and lava flow during volcanic eruptions. 

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Over millions of years, the volcanic debris and basalt eroded, releasing the sapphires which washed down into creeks and riverbeds.

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The gravel and sand that contain these sapphires are known as wash. Ongoing erosion over millions of years buried the wash under layers of rock, soil and clay, so it is now found at varying depths, from just below the surface to 19 or 20 metres down.

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Today, Policeman’s Knob is not only a stunning lookout for sunsets, but also a haven for birds and other wildlife.

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From volcanoes to sapphires

Basalt is the remnant lava you now see over and around Policeman’s Knob.

Location

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what3words

Download the what3words app to help you follow the Trail.
Here are the ///what3words identifiers for this location and for the three closest stops:

You are here: ///today.elegance.spindles

Where to next?

Welcome to Rubyvale – ///autopilot.assumes.meadow

Stonebridge Green – Rubyvale – ///incorporated.unmoving.property

Old Mick – Rubyvale – ///eels.cherished.relates

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