297–301. The area is famous for being the source of 40% of the gold ever mined from the earth. All of our sapphires are cut on our premises and are available loose or mounted in a custom setting. The entire series of rocks, known as the "Witwatersrand Supergroup," consists of very hard erosion resistant quartzites, banded ironstones and some marine lava deposits, interspersed with softer, more easily eroded tillites, mudstones and conglomerates. Thus, when mine waste comes into contact with oxygenated rainwater, sulfuric acid is released into the ground water. Sat: 1:00pm - 4:00pm ET
A mine corridor in the Witwatersrand complex. The huge deposits of gold in this region were the prime factor responsible for the growth and development of the city of Johannesburg, and also greatly aided the economy of South Africa as a whole for decades. The outcrop in Gauteng forms the Witwatersrand ridge, from which the basin and its rocks derive their name. Thank you for trusting us with your sapphire purchase! [6] The entire series of rocks, known as the "Witwatersrand Supergroup," consists of very hard erosion resistant quartzites, banded ironstones and some marine lava deposits, interspersed with softer, more easily eroded tillites, mudstones and conglomerates. The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , is a multi-campus South African public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg. It is more commonly known as Wits University or Wits (/vəts/ or /vɪts/). Commonly known as “Wits”, the University of the Witwatersrand developed out of the South African School of Mines, set up in Kimberley in 1896. [1] The conglomerate was quickly traced east and westward for a total continuous distance of 50 km to define what became known as the “Central Rand Gold Field”. #Witsie4Life Storytelling Series Wits Alumni Relations presents the #Witsie4Life storytelling series, shining a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. His brother Thomas was the first chairman. Over 40000 tonnes (44000 short tons) have been mined from these rocks since this precious metal was first discovered here in 1886. [9], The Witwatersrand basin was created during the Archean Eon, and is therefore amongst the oldest geological structures on earth. A number of picturesque Johannesburg Suburbs, including Observatory, Linksfield Ridge and Upper Houghton are located on the ridge, overlooking the northern parts of Johannesburg. It houses five faculties which comprise 34 schools. The University of Witwatersrand is a leading public university strategically established in the industrial and commercial heart of South Africa. W.H. The 200-by-350-km (124-by-217-mile) Witwatersrand Basin contains an 11-km- (7-mile-) thick sequence of lavas and sediments that are 3 billion years old. It has produced some 2 billion ounces over a century of mining and at an average grade of 15 g/t Au with a current head grade of 6-10 g/t Au and they still have estimated reserves of some 1,161 billion ounces (36,000 tonnes). Afrikaner commandos during the Second Boer War (1899–1902). Witwatersrand Gold Rush - WikiMili, The Free Encyclopedia - WikiMili, The Free Encyclopedia. Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London. Gold occurs only along the northern and western margins of this basin, but not in a continuous band. 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The oldest rocks (laid down 2.97 billion years … Commonly known as Wits University or just Wits, the University Of Witwatersrand is a multi-campus public research university in South Africa that is … Committed to academic and research excellence, Wits generates high level scarce skills for a globally competitive world, while addressing local social and economic development. Today, the Witwatersrand reef is part of the “golden arc,” an ancient inland lake containing rich deposits of alluvial gold . It is the source of over 40% of the. The Witwatersrand Supergroup strata which reach the surface in Johannesburg dip downwards to the south at an angle of about 30°. Cyanobacteria grew in relative abundance in these mineral rich waters. Wits’ commitment to social justice has meant it’s played a key role during historical moments in South Africa, with many Witwatersrand alumni becoming icons, both historically and today. The Witwatersrand plateau consists of a 5000-to-7000-metre-thick (3.1–4.3 mi) layer of mainly sedimentary rocks laid down over a period of about 260 million years, starting approximately 2.97 billion years ago. Located in South Africa, the Witwatersrand Basin represents the richest gold field ever discovered. Harrison is believed to have sold his claim for less than £10 before leaving the area, and he was never heard from again. The Witwatersrand Gold Rush initiated South Africa’s domination of world gold production. We're here to help! at approximately the time that the Kaapvaal Craton formed). pp. Tillite deposits, dating from 2950 million years ago, are indicative of the first glaciation episodes on earth. Like the diamond discoveries before, the gold rush caused thousands of foreign expatriates to prospect and mine the region. (1996). 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