Geology of the fluorite deposits in Kerio Valley, Kenya

Abstract

Fluorite deposits occur in the Musgut-Kimwarer area, Kerio Valley, in the Republic of Kenya. They are being worked by Fluorspar Company of Kenya Limited. The fluorite bodies occur in isolated areas within the Basement System of the Mozambique Belt and lie in the Rift Valley System. Strong faulting preceded the mineral deposition in the region. Fluorite was deposited from hydrothermal solutions passing through tension fractures and late subsidiary faults. The fluorite bodies have replaced crystalline limestone and to a minor extent minerals and rock fragments in fault breccias. The fluorite bodies appear to have a hypogene origin. Four colored varieties of fluorite are found in the area: white, yellow-brown, dark-gray, and violet.