Klerksdorp Spheres
Although these spheres are generally referred to in literature and online references as “Klerksdorp
Spheres” it would actually be more correct to refer to them as “Ottosdal Spheres” since they originate from
the Wonderstone Ltd Mine just outside Ottosdal. This company specialises in the mining of Pyrophyllite (a
soft, grey metamorphic rock volcanic in origin) and transforming the mined rock into a variety of industrial
products. It is within the exploited layers of Pyrophyllite that these spheres are found from time to time.
1: Some of the industrial products made from Pyrophyllite
2: Panoramic view of some of the mining activities at Wonderstone Ltd.
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3: Some of the Khoisan rock engravings located on a hill on the property of Wonderstone Ltd. These negravings were done by the
Korana people hundreds of years ago
4: Some of the so-called "Klerksdorp Spheres" consists of a spongy, reddish-coloured core with a thin outer mineral layer much
harder in consistency.
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5: The same sphere as in the previous image. From this angle the thin and flaky outer skin is clearly visible
6: Some other spheres have a relatively small core consisting of a much denser, less spongy material and a relatively thick outer
skin. This image is of a broken sphere in our collection.
7: Same sphere as in previous image. The thick outer layer is clearly visible
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8: Another sphere in our collection, this time intact. Some (but by no means all) of the spheres have a distinct seam around the
equator, almost resembling the seam of a cricket ball. Much of the controversy surrounding these spheres are centred around
these seam-like structures because the Conspiracy and Ancient Alien theorists maintain that “this must be man-made!” However,
they are in actual fact the result of a complex set of geomorphological and geological processes that formed them over an
immensely long period and are thus perfectly natural
9: Another view of the sphere - the same as in the image above. The hand of a Museum staff member holding it upright gives an
idea of its size
10: This sphere clearly shows that these objects are far from being perfect spheres as is so often incorrectly claimed in pseudoscientific and downright cranky publications and web pages. Also note the imperfectly formed seam on this sphere, ruling out the
possibility that it was made by purposeful human hands
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11: Note the predominantly greyish colour of this sphere from the Museum's collection. Probably this indicates is representative of
the variation in mineral content displayed by these objects (refer to the article attached to the email I sent you).
12: Another image of the same object as in the previous image, flipped over to reveal the underside
13: Yet another of the objects from the Museum's collection. Note the greyish colour, thick outer shell, relatively small core and
faintly "star burst" shaped markings displayed by the internal structure
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