Griqualand West is an historical and contemporary region in Northern Cape province, South Africa. The region lies directly northwest of the juncture of the Vaal and Orange rivers and is an arid plateau settled in the late 18th century by the Griqua, a group of mixed white and Khoekhoe ancestry fleeing discrimination around Cape Town. Many were semi-nomadic living by raiding and hunting, while others raised cattle near springs. Diamonds discovered in the area in 1867 led to disputed claims between the Boer republics, the Griqua and the British Cape Colony.
South Africa is one of the main areas for mining the gemstone known as Tiger's Eye and some of the finest specimens come from Griqualand West.
Further reading:
Griqualand West
Griqualand West
| ← Granite | Hamersley Ranges → |
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