Local Government
Ravensthorpe
Region
Goldfields
Moir Rd Ravensthorpe
Ravensthorpe Freestone
Spongolite-fossilized sea sponge
Ravensthorpe
Goldfields
Constructed from 1905
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 26 Jul 2020 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 10 Jul 1998 | ||
Spongolite rock is formed mainly from prehistoric sponge skeletons of silica formed 40 million years ago when the sea covered the land up to over 100m, leaving the much older mountains as islands. Spongolite, although soft when first quarried, makes a beautiful building stone and its colour glows at dawn and sunset. In 1905 stone was used from this quarry for the cornerstones and around the windows and doors of the Ravensthorpe Hospital. Moir's shearing shed, Kybutup. was built from it early this century (the shed, with additions is still in use). Stone from the quarry was experimented with for the No. 2 Government Smelter but it was found to be unsuitable as it was too friable. Soon after WWII Lawrie Baker wanted spongolite lo supply for blast furnaces at Whyalla. South Australia. He cut two big pieces. In 1957 Ian Ferrier had come from the Eastern States where quarry stone was cut with tungsten vertical/horizontal saws, obtained the saws and started cutting the stone. Ian took up quarrying and his wife, Val took up the little farm across the road. Ian had the stone tested and it was said to be strong enough to take a ten storey building. The stone needs to be sealed for weatherproofing and it hardens with time. During the 1960's it was used a lot for building stone especially in Esperance, some buildings in Ravensthorpe and on farms. Bill Frayne bought the quarry from Ian Ferrier. Joe Zecca. a former miner did the stone cutting for Frayne in the 1960's.
Presently resembles an amphitheatre.
Integrity: All Intact
Good
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Original Use | MINING | Other |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | STONE | Spongolite |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Mining {incl. mineral processing} |
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