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
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (1971 Gem Pocket)
Gem Pocket (1971), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Leiteite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
60mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite SUPERB COLOUR
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3370 *
49mm x 33mm x 32mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
60mm x 60mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$7824 *
91mm x 69mm x 54mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite Ex Dietrich Mayer Coll.
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$10232 *
111mm x 61mm x 28mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Tsumcorite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
70mm x 50mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite with Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Manganoan
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$5500
60mm x 60mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$14500
70mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Silver, Zincolivenite, Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 35mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cuprian Sithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$102 *
42mm x 60mm x 25mm
From: Taranis Minerals
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$35000
120mm x 100mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
