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. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Manganoan
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7000
70mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$385 *
45mm x 27mm x 29mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite
Easter Pocket | Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$4333 *
58mm x 38mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
40mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite pseudomorph after Azurite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$963 *
45mm x 37mm x 23mm
From: Wendel Minerals
DOLOMITE var. COBALTOAN DOLOMITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$115
17mm x 15mm x 11mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Smithsonite (Cobaltian)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12500
80mm x 80mm x 80mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite pseudomorph after azurite TSUMEB
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$150
32mm x 23mm x 13mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Cadmium-Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1144 *
78mm x 68mm x 53mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite (Easter Pocket)
Easter Pocket, Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto, Namibia
$6000
70mm x 50mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Aragonite var. tarnowitzite, dolomite
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$140
36mm x 32mm x 15mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3370 *
84mm x 39mm x 33mm
From: Wendel Minerals