Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
The Tsumeb mine is one of our Top 12 Mineral Localities.
Copper mining and smelting began at Tsumeb long before the European explorers "discovered" the ore body. Apparently, for hundreds of years, local Bushmen had been mining copper-bearing rocks from a secret locality known only to them and trading them to Ovambos, who came from northern Namibia to meet the Bushmen. The Bushmen supplied the material, but the Ovambos had discovered how to extract the copper metal from the ore by building crude smelters in termite hills and firing the ore until the molten copper poured forth into "ingot molds" dug into the ground with sticks. The copper was then used for ornamentation and weaponry.
The Tsumeb mine qualifies as one of the most prolific mineral localities in the world, not only for the number of species (over 230), but the sheer magnitude of world class specimen material that has emerged from its workings. Perhaps most famous are the unrivalled specimens of azurite, cerussite and dioptase. Species collectors find a haven in this locality as well as the type locality of well over 50 mineral species.
The mine is essentially now closed, but recently a number of large, fine private collections have reached the market that make this classic material not only desirable but available.
The Tsumeb mine qualifies as one of the most prolific mineral localities in the world, not only for the number of species (over 230), but the sheer magnitude of world class specimen material that has emerged from its workings. Perhaps most famous are the unrivalled specimens of azurite, cerussite and dioptase. Species collectors find a haven in this locality as well as the type locality of well over 50 mineral species.
The mine is essentially now closed, but recently a number of large, fine private collections have reached the market that make this classic material not only desirable but available.
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Smithsonite on Calcite
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto), Namibia
$500
69mm x 56mm x 37mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Malachite pseudomorph after azurite TSUMEB
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$150
32mm x 23mm x 13mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Schneiderhöhnite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite Var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
56mm x 43mm x 21mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite with Malachite and Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$16000
80mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (1971 Gem Pocket)
Gem Pocket (1971), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Silver, Zincolivenite, Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 35mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Chalcocite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite pseudomorphs after Azurite with Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb District, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2700
133mm x 115mm x 70mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Wulfenite and Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
50mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
59mm x 50mm x 31mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite with Mimetite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$150
30mm x 23mm x 20mm
From: Marin Minerals
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