Namibian localitiesIn the course of many years, details about localities have been collected by the authors and might not all be up to date. Readers are welcome to contribute by relating recent observations and experiences. This is a short survey that deals with some of the most rewarding and fairly easily accessible localities. For more detailed information with respect to the whereabouts of sites, contact the authors. Many localities are on private ground, mostly on farms, in which case collectors need to contact the proprietors. Access on guest farms is less problematic.
Windhoek and vicinityThe road from Windhoek to the south, at Aris To reach the mine, turn left at Otjihase. One has to approach the management at Onganya before inspecting the mine dumps. Malachite and cuprite crystals were found here. Both quarries at Aris contain phonolith domes with small cavities and cracks in the rocks. Collectors have to work hard but gently to get mostly micromounts, zeolites for example.
Khomas HochlandRooisand CC Desert Ranch on the C 26 is a mineral-rich locality, with several alpine-type minerals like epidote, rutile, sagenite and scheelite. Green-coloured amethyst is a speciality. The farmer on the third, Natas, has to be asked to give his permission. The mine at the foot of the Gamsberg mountain became known for copper and gold and, from 1911, for scheelite. Mindat.org quotes almost 30 minerals.
The epidote locality, Farm Niedersachsen View of the Gamsberg from the north-west
Southern NamibiaCopper minerals at the Sinclair mine In the Brukkaros area various other minerals like chromite, tridymite and baryte may be found, though. About 80 km from Konkiep (Goageb) on the B 4 towards Aus there is a mining area at Aukam off the D 446 with several mines, mainly tin and fluorite. As to the present situation, enquiries should be made concerning accessibility. At Lüderitz, you could try your luck on agate beach. However, due to the nearby settlement, the site is visited regularly.
Water fountain with meteorites, Post Street Mall, Windhoek Fish River Canyon The text on Namibian localities is a shortened version of the German one, also with less photos. For more details, refer to the German text or ask the authors - you are welcome!
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