Phil Herbert’s Field

Phil Herbert’s Field (also Phil Herbert’s Rush) is an opal field located in deep ground near Vertical Bill’s, heading toward Lunatic Hill. It was discovered in 1912 by Phil Herbert, a miner known for his sharp eyesight and eccentric personality. He was said to have “eyes like a cat” and claimed he could see in the dark.

Deep country, with opal levels typically not found above 70 feet. Herbert found some poor quality seam opal, but nothing of major value from his own claim. Others fared slightly better. The two Ottos (Otto Marquet and Otto Schroder) found a good stone, and a claim worked by Hegarty and Bradley also produced decent material. According to The Lightning Ridge Book by Stuart Lloyd, total production by 1967 amounted to just £3,800.

• Phil Herbert’s Field @ MinView.

Article: Research by Russell Gawthorpe and Leisa Carney, edited by Russell Gawthorpe. LRHS research compiled by Len Cram and Barbara Moritz. Sources: The Lightning Ridge Book, Stuart Lloyd, 1967, p. 73; Lightning Ridge - The Home of the Black Opal: Unique to the World, Gan Bruce, 1983, p. 85.