Busselton Historical Society > Records
Ballast Brick
Subcollections
Historical information
This ballast brick was found at a beach in Wonnerup, Western Australia.
Worn away by sand and water erosion, the brick is now oval in shape.
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-124-2025.277
Item type
Themes
Material
Contextual information
Ballast bricks were primarily made from clay or shale, which provided the natural coloring that varied the bricks' shades. The bricks were used as ballast to keep ships upright during their journeys. The use of bricks as ballast was a common practice in maritime history, especially during the colonial era when ships were often loaded with heavy cargo. The bricks were transported near the keel of the ship to ensure stability and prevent it from sinking
Keywords
Place made
Primary significance criteria
Scientific or research significance
Social or spiritual significance
Last modified
Friday, 21 November, 2025
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