Desert overlanding in search of Namibia’s diverse mineral species
Namibia, a land of breathtaking landscapes and geological wonders, stands as a beacon for mineral collectors seeking precious and semi-precious stones. The vast deserts and rugged mountains hold a treasure trove of diverse mineral species, many of which are world renowned.
On our most recent expedition to Namibia, we entered from the Kalahari Desert crossing over the orange river at the Nakop border crossing. Be sure to consume any fruits, veggies, eggs, meat, and dairy products before entering Namibia. The border guards on the South African side were quick to point out that they will have a nice lunch with the groceries we were forced to leave behind. Though our fridge was now looking quite meager, we were glad our provisions weren't going to waste.
Once we entered Namibia on the way to Keetmanshoop, we would go hours without encountering any other vehicles on the gravel roads. It's a truly remote area so be sure to be prepared with ample water reserve, fuel, and spare tires in case of break down.
From Windhoek we headed to the iconic Brandberg Mountain, nestled in the Namib Desert, it is celebrated for yielding some of the finest amethyst specimens in the world. These deep violet crystals, extracted with meticulous care, showcase the geological artistry hidden within the mountain's ancient granite. Many of the quartz crystals from this area are water clear, razor sharp, and frequently feature moving fluid inclusions. These are often referred to as "enhydro crystals" on the market.
The base of Brandberg mountain is scattered with local crystal stands where small scale miners sell their finds from the mountain. The artfully constructed stands go on for several kilometres, and are filled with thousands of rough, and rather dusty looking minerals from the nearby area. Although you are not likely to find many quality pieces at these stands, it makes for a great stop to take in the surrounding landscape. It was here where we met our friends Riolla and Tumbee, who were mining at Brandberg, and let us park our truck next to their mining equipment so that we had a safe place to sleep the night.
After Brandberg we ventured into the heart of the Erongo Mountains, where Aquamarine, Tourmaline, and world class Fluorites were waiting. Artisanal miners take great care to extract these minerals, often using simple hand tools and minimal equipment. You are far more likely to see locals using jackhammers and shovels, rather than bobcats and other heavy duty machinery. Over the past few years we have concluded several sourcing trips to Namibia, taking in the unique landscapes, cultures, and of course, the phenomenal minerals which can be found here.
One thing not to miss while in Namibia, are the great dunes in Sossusvlei. Take some time and hike to the top for spectacular views. The sand, standing over 170 metres tall, is over 5 million years old and was blown here from the Orange River next to the Kalahari desert.
