THE
SPITZKOPJE,
"INSELBERG" OF THE PRO-NAMIB!
Though not by far
one of the highest mountains in Namibia - at 1800 metres - this
well-known landmark can be seen for many kilometres from the surrounding
flat plains.
As mentioned, this is a
lone massif of granite protruding in the middle of vast savannah and
desert-steppe gravel plains of the pro-Namib. Geologically it was formed as a
volcanic "plug"
of solidified magma at the outlet of a volcanic vent.
The entire mountain and
its surrounding hills are very rich in precious and semi-precious stones
such as Tourmaline (all colours and varieties), Aquamarine, high quality Garnets
& some of the
most beautiful Silver Topaz specimens. Scant deposits of Citrine has also been
found. The bulk
of the mineral crystals occur as Quartz in the form of Smoky Quartz &
"mountain crystals" - to
the uninformed, closely resembling the much more valuable Silver Topaz.
The downside is that
the Spitzkopje had become unpleasant to visit, due to an uncontrolled
scramble for these stones by locals as a means of sustenance income.
Photos at ground level, the excursion is by air.
The main access road to the Spitzkopje A close-up view and . . .
. . . from a distance. Typical rock formations at the Spitzkopje