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In Episode 264 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a chance act of curiosity led to the groundbreaking discovery of Australian amber, and what it teaches us about avoiding fixed mindsets.

In this episode, Mark shares the story of how Australian amber was discovered – twice. One version, told in a university magazine, painted the researchers as heroes from the outset. The other, shared by a friend, revealed how the discovery almost didn’t happen because of a fixed mindset.

Mark and Shawn explore the dangers of closed-mindedness, the value of investigative curiosity, and how incomplete narratives can shape perceptions.

In a business setting, this is a versatile story to encourage open thinking and challenge assumptions.

For your story bank

Tags: Storytelling, Mindset, Curiosity, Openness, Research

This story starts at 0:23

Version 1 – The University Magazine Story

In 2005, Beth Norris, living in far North Queensland, sent samples of what she believed to be amber to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). At the time, the prevailing belief was that Australian amber didn’t exist.

Beth included a note explaining she’d contacted a foreign expert, who told her she was wrong, there was no such thing as Australian amber. But the head of UNSW’s Faculty of Science, Professor Mike, wasn’t convinced. He tested the samples and confirmed they were indeed amber.

In 2006, the university mounted an expedition to the site in far North Queensland to collect more samples and ensure it wasn’t a hoax. This trip was no easy feat: the team faced serious dangers, including sharks and five-metre saltwater crocodiles.

They eventually discovered a perched lake, with a base of lignite, a material often associated with amber. Tests confirmed the samples were genuine, and the find proved that Australian amber did indeed exist.

Version 2 – The Story from the Researchers

Beth Norris regularly walked along her local beach in far North Queensland, careful to stay well away from crocodiles, she knew how dangerous they were. On these walks, she collected small rocks and resin-like lumps she thought might be amber.

She sent samples to several universities across Australia, including UNSW. Most never replied. One parcel was returned unopened. The widely accepted view at the time was that Australian amber didn’t exist, so her submissions were dismissed without testing.

Eventually, Beth sent another parcel to UNSW. The professor who received it read her note, scoffed at the idea, and told a nearby research student to return it. But the student hesitated. Something about the samples caught their interest. They decided to test them, and the results confirmed they were amber.

The professor organised an expedition to the site, originally to confirm it wasn’t a hoax. The team travelled to the remote area, setting up camp away from the water. One member, however, developed a habit of walking to the same spot on the beach every day to wash the dinner plates. On the third day, a five-metre crocodile was spotted stalking him. Someone yelled “Run!”, and he narrowly escaped.

Despite the hazards, the team located a perched lake with lignite at its base, a strong indicator of amber. They collected more samples and confirmed the find: Australian amber did exist.