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 (colbaltian)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3250
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
Pyrite Blister Copper Form""
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
96mm x 55mm x 20mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Wulfenite and Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
50mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Otavite and Rosasite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
40mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprian Adamite on matrix
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$250
10mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
80mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1350
60mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite on Arsentsumebite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1806 *
57mm x 49mm x 47mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cadmian and Cobaltian Smithsonite on Galena
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2250
130mm x 80mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone