Gold

Introduction: Most of Namibia's gold is produced from trace amounts in sulphide minerals. It was first discovered near Rehoboth in 1899. The main present-day gold mine is the Navachab Mine in the Karibib District. From 1917 to 1963, the premier gold mining area was at Ondundu Goldfield in Damaraland.

Distribution: Gold is still mined near Rehoboth at Golden Valley. Other small prospects are in the Windhoek, Karibib, Swakopmund and Luderitz regions. There are many other alluvial gold deposits including the Erongo Region and the Omaruru District.

Composition: Native metal

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Metallic

Streak: Gold

Hardness: 2.5-3