The Orange River, which acts as a natural border between South Africa and Namibia , stretches from the Drakensberg region in the east, to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. It is by far South Africa 's longest river, consisting of three major dams - Gariep, Vanderkloof, and Boegoeberg - and is mother to the scenic Orange River Valley , which stretches from Upington to Goodhouse. This area is famous for its production of sultana grapes - a seedless variety - as well as citrus fruits, and legumes - peas, beans and lentils.

The quartz, which emanates from the Orange River region, is uniquely red and orange in colour. This is caused by the presence of the mineral hematite, which forms cloudy phantom inclusions of orange and red. These crystals are most commonly found in pegmatites around the Orange River Valley.