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 var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$8500
70mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Pyrite Ex Peter Döring Collection
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$843 *
65mm x 51mm x 18mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Adamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
71mm x 52mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Galena
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$542 *
64mm x 44mm x 34mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Willemite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
70mm x 66mm x 44mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2250
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite Var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
170mm x 120mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
50mm x 30mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
70mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite, Bayldonite after Mimetite, Wulfenite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$600
75mm x 55mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Azurite and Cerussite on Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (Gem Pocket 1971)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$13500
40mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
80mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cuprian on Rosasite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
