The Brisbane Opal Museum will host

A Night at the Opal Museum :

‘a focus on photoluminescence and opals' 

For one evening, on the thursday, 14th of August, the museum will be open for visitors until 8.30 pm, there will be a 30-minute interactive activities for kids at 5 pm, and a 90-minute presentation ‘the physics of photoluminescence in opals’ at 6.30 pm.

With rock and gemstone samples on hand, you'll learn & witness how minerals become vivid, science-fiction masterpieces. 

'A Night at the Opal Museum, a focus on luminescence and opals' will include :

- 5 pm - specially designed for young explorers aged 6-12 years old.

Steff, a biologist specialising in both terrestrial and marine environments, a whiz at making learning fun, will guide your child through a series of science activities with a 30-minute interactive activities for kids.

It includes :

• Mineral Fluorescence: Watch rocks glow under UV light!

• Porosity & Absorption in opal: Identify opals from absorbing water.

• Opal identification :  Find the clues by comparing look-alike opal gems

• Geo-locate opals:  Associate an opal with a location by observing color and luminescence

With these activities, your kids will embark on their journey

to identify gems and specifically opals!

- 6.30 pm - Join us for a 90-minute presentation 'the physics of photoluminescences in opals'.

Valentine, the Brisbane Opal Museum curator, Misha, a physicist and Rej, a luminescence specialist, will discuss luminescence in opals. 

Learn about the interaction between light and opal that creates their unique play of colour and luminescence. 

This event includes food and non-alcoholic drinks. Event designed for the general public.

Limited places available. Booking is essential. 

At our previous ‘open night’ sold out quickly. Don’t miss out!

*Ticket on sale on Eventbrite (starting 14th of July 2025)

Steff is part of the museum team since 2023 and is passionate about kids STEM education !

An interactive activity program,

designed specifically for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

This is a 30-minutes hands-on geoscience session.

Activities will focus on opals and their unique characteristics, including their luminescence, porosity and fire. Participants will use materials such as a UV torch to explore minerals, with a focus on opals from around the world.

Steff, a biologist specialising in both terrestrial and marine environments, will assist children to embark on their journey to identify opals. 

Booking essential.

Booking will be with event brite, starting the 14th of July 

Through this 30-minute presentation, you will learn the interaction between light and opal that creates their unique play of colour and luminescence. 

Misha, a physicist and, Valentine, a gemmologist specialised in opals, will reveal the secrets behind this phenomenon. By the end of this presentation you will be able to geo-locate some variety of opals (initiation level)

This event is perfect for students and general public.  

Make sure to book online to secure your place. 

*Booking : starts the 14th of July on eventbrite website)

Hyalite, from Australia, showing green luminescence under short wave ultra violet.