The Yank

The Yank is a shallow opal field located between Bald Hill and Angledool fields, first worked in 1926. The field was found by Jack Gunning, who was either a English or American.

Gunning found the field by sinking a single shaft to a depth of 14 feet, where he found a few stones. He went to find a buyer for them, and did not return to the field.

In 1961, George and Sid Graham found three gem quality stones, which sold for £2,000.

According to The Lightning Ridge Book by Stuart Lloyd, the field eventually produced opal valued at £6,000.

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. 68; Lightning Ridge - The Home of the Black Opal: Unique to the World, Gan Bruce, 1983, p. 89.