THE MOST thrilling aspect of fossicking for Neville Wright is the hunt.

After 12 years of research and combing the earth, he can now look at any rock on the ground and know its value and hidden interior.

"The most exciting thing about fossicking is being able to look at the ground and try and guess what minerals or rock are going to be there and then actually start digging and finding something you didn't think would be there," Mr Wright said.

"Fossicking itself involves a lot of research, you sort of need to go back quite a distance in time to see what other people have found in the area and then you can sort of pinpoint what you're looking for a bit easier."

Now Mr Wright, with his wife and a friend, have formed the South Burnett Gem Fossicking Club, to bring together like-minded locals to learn from each other as well as cut, polish, silversmith and even make jewellery from rocks.

He also admitted the group was a bid to start a social movement in the area, and the first of its kind for gem enthusiasts.

And although a fair distance from the distinguished gold fields in Bendigo, Mr Wright said he had found his own treasure trove in the South Burnett.

"There are quite a few places around the region that you can find in creek beds, gravel pits and even on the side of the road," he said.

For more information, phone 4163 5026.