Orpheus Mine lies in the Iron-formation of the western limb of the Redcliff Jaspilite Formation. The ore is a hard, dense, grey haematite enclosed by, and derived from, a finely banded grey and red Iron-formation. It is believed that the ore is of hypogene origin although supergene processes have not been ruled out. The ore has formed by the leaching of silica-rich bands and possible infilling of iron. Faulting of the Iron-formation and associated clastic sediments has taken place and separates the orebody from the nearby Beacon Tor deposit. The faulting could have played a role in the ore genesis.