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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Wulfenite with Calcite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$955
50mm x 45mm x 5mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$6500
85mm x 50mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Otavite with Cerussite, Mimetite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1250
24mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Tennantite on Dolomite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
62mm x 39mm x 31mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Pyrite & Chalcocite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$782 *
69mm x 46mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cerussite, dolomite
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$280
52mm x 37mm x 33mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$12500
90mm x 75mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cerussite TSUMEB
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$160
47mm x 47mm x 29mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
gemmy DIOPTASE, CALCITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$290
39mm x 28mm x 22mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
