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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Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$6500
85mm x 50mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Willemite on Willemite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
50mm x 50mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Calcite with Hematite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1700
170mm x 145mm x 40mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cobaltdolomite CAST & Duftite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
76mm x 66mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Anglesite with Posnjakite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
70mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Tsumcorite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
70mm x 50mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite ps. Azurite, on Bayldonite ps. Mimetite
1st oxide zone circa 1900, Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
$2750
60mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cadmium-Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1144 *
78mm x 68mm x 53mm
From: Wendel Minerals
