Okorusu Mine, Otjiwarongo District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
5” x 4” x 1/2”
306.5 grams
The mine is famous for outstanding blue and green fluorite crystals, often with phantoms. The mine management allows a specimen miner (Peter Eysselein) to extract fluorite specimens to be sold on the international market (Brandstetter, 2011). The first specimen mining contract was granted to Christopher L. Johnston, Johnston Namibia CC in 2001. Johnston Namibia CC mined specimens until late 2003. Prior to Mr. Johnston and Mr. Eysselein mining specimens, Okorusu Fluorspar (Pty) Ltd informally collected and offered specimens for sale, with proceeds being used for community development.
The Early-Cretaceous alkaline rocks/sövite complex intruded Late Precambrian Damara series (quartzites, marbles, and biotite schists). The metasedimentary rocks have been fenitized in the vicinity of the intrusion. Fluorite also replaces host-rocks (marbles and biotite schists).
REE-bearing minerals occur in beforsitic carbonatite dikes and carbonate-fluorite-bearing metasomatites. Their HREE content is significant.
Closed in 2014 due to increased stripping ratio and beneficiation problems.
Okorusu Mine, Otjiwarongo District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
5” x 4” x 1/2”
306.5 grams
The mine is famous for outstanding blue and green fluorite crystals, often with phantoms. The mine management allows a specimen miner (Peter Eysselein) to extract fluorite specimens to be sold on the international market (Brandstetter, 2011). The first specimen mining contract was granted to Christopher L. Johnston, Johnston Namibia CC in 2001. Johnston Namibia CC mined specimens until late 2003. Prior to Mr. Johnston and Mr. Eysselein mining specimens, Okorusu Fluorspar (Pty) Ltd informally collected and offered specimens for sale, with proceeds being used for community development.
The Early-Cretaceous alkaline rocks/sövite complex intruded Late Precambrian Damara series (quartzites, marbles, and biotite schists). The metasedimentary rocks have been fenitized in the vicinity of the intrusion. Fluorite also replaces host-rocks (marbles and biotite schists).
REE-bearing minerals occur in beforsitic carbonatite dikes and carbonate-fluorite-bearing metasomatites. Their HREE content is significant.
Closed in 2014 due to increased stripping ratio and beneficiation problems.
