Conglomerate

The five geographic sub-regions of Namaqualand are associated with distinctive landscapes and climatic conditions, reflected in the vegetation and spring flowers of each.

These are the Knersvlakte of broad flat plains and quartzite pebbles in the south, the montane Kamiesberg region and the Hardeveld comprising granite hills or the Klipkoppe both in the centre, the coastal Sandveld plains in the west and the Richtersveld in the far northwest by the Gariep River.

The land has hidden mineral wealth that brought a copper boom-time and a frenzy around diamonds, both still cloaked in local lore and captivating history. Exploring this can be done from books, but better at night by a fireside from the local raconteurs that still know their stuff.

Daytime terrain inspection by all and sundry is more than common in the blooming season. Scrutiny of the seemingly barren plains and exposed rock during the off-season also reveals many sights of beauty and interest, like this conglomerate. It all became solid rock around older, rounded stones and gravel waiting long for their captivity (Wikipedia; http://stripedmouse.com).