Gneiss

Introduction: Gneiss is a coarse-grained metamorphic rock with characteristic bands and layers. As they have undergone intense stages stages of metamorphism, the deformation has resulted in folded, stretched out, layered patterns, or 'swirled toothpaste'.

Distribution: Southern Namibia and scattered gneiss outcrops in Damaraland. Gneisses are also located in the Grootfontein metamorphic sequence, the Rehoboth-Sinclair sequence in the south and the Epupa Complex in the extreme north-west. There is also a complex south of Kamanjab. East and south-east of Sossusvlei also bears a complex and in central Namibia there is a gneiss complex some 250km radius around Windhoek.

Composition: Large crystals are composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, mica, amphiboles.

Colouration: Grey and pink to black and red.