Perth: Hunting for buried treasure may often feel like a cutthroat game relegated to fiction, but for Patrick Gundersen and Kirsty McMullan, it’s a thrilling reality. The duo, stars of Channel Seven’s new reality show Outback Crystal Hunters, invites viewers to embark on an adventure through Western Australia (WA), where they recently uncovered the world’s largest amethyst crystal cluster in the remote Pilbara region, according to Channel 7. Photo courtesy: 7 News.

The newly launched series, produced by Perth’s Prospero Productions, follows five recreational gem-hunting teams as they traverse the outback in search of some of the world’s rarest and most ancient crystals. The series premiere features Gundersen and McMullan alongside fellow treasure seekers Pete Willems and Kyle Archer as they embark on their gem-hunting journeys.

At 50, veteran digger Patrick Gundersen has long been fascinated by the beauty hidden beneath the earth’s surface. “I was always captivated by the colours and shapes of gems and crystals,” he shared. “Even as a kid, I spent countless hours crawling around in a friend’s quarry, collecting quartz crystals. That thrill of the chase has been with me since I was young.”

Gundersen has worked in the gem-hunting industry since his twenties and met McMullan through social media nearly eight years ago. Their shared passion for rare stones blossomed during a crystal-digging trip in Tasmania. However, their recent expedition in WA proved to be a game-changer.

Their groundbreaking discovery of a massive amethyst crystal has been hailed as a pivotal moment that brought the show to life. Gundersen recounted, “The producer came out to film what we started with this incredible 21-ton amethyst discovery. It was the scale and beauty of what we found that made him realize he had a show on his hands.”

After purchasing the Great Australian Amethyst Mine, Gundersen had kept a close eye on the iconic site, which had been dormant for years. “I got it at a really good price. It had been on the market for so long, and nobody was willing to take a chance on it,” he said.

The series allows viewers to witness Gundersen’s journey to his crystal mecca and the financial risks associated with investing $100,000 of his savings into the untapped site. “You never know if you’re going to recover the gems in one piece or if they’ll break apart,” McMullan added.

Despite the challenges, their discovery is a testament to their perseverance. “I never imagined I would find something like this,” Gundersen admitted.

With fewer than a dozen full-time crystal hunters in Australia, Gundersen noted that the industry is shrouded in secrecy. “There’s a lot of jealousy,” McMullan explained. “People tend to keep their favourite spots to themselves to protect the hard work they’ve put into finding them.”

As rare gemstones like amethyst, aquamarine, and topaz represent just a fraction of Australia’s underground treasures, Gundersen finds satisfaction in seeing his finds displayed in galleries and museums worldwide. “I have clients globally, from individual collectors to museums, and I often spot pieces I’ve sold online or in someone’s collection,” he shared.

In a multi-billion-dollar global industry, Gundersen emphasized that his work is on a much smaller scale than it may seem. “Many people criticize mining crystals, but they don’t realize the Earth is incredibly abundant in crystals.

Ninety-nine percent of them remain undiscovered beneath the soil,” he stated, urging people to consider the origins of the raw minerals in their everyday items.

For those interested in exploring crystal hunting, Gundersen and McMullan have shared valuable tips for aspiring gem seekers:

Join a Gem or Lapidary Club: Many towns and cities in Australia have local gem clubs that organize field trips, providing a great way to learn and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Obtain a Fossicking License: Most states offer public fossicking areas where individuals can dig for gems with a simple license, often available for purchase online.

Download WA’s Gemstones Guide: A free PDF guide from the mines department lists all gems and crystals found in Western Australia, including their locations.

Gundersen and McMullan’s recent discovery of a massive 4-kilogram amethyst further emphasizes the thrill of their adventures. McMullan shared her excitement on Instagram, noting it was the largest single point unearthed at the amethyst mine during their time there.

As they continue their journey on Outback Crystal Hunters, viewers can look forward to witnessing the stunning beauty of Australia’s crystals and the dedication of those who seek them.