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.
Filter Options:
Order By:
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
40mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Adamite Var. Cuproadamite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1600
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite (GEMMY smoky colored snowflake twin)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$718
41mm x 20mm x 17mm
From: Mineral Classics
Azurite
Easter Pocket | Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$4333 *
58mm x 38mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cuproadamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
60mm x 51mm x 32mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cuprite with Dolomite and Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1350
70mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$301 *
49mm x 37mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dolomite Cast perimorph after Calcite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$542 *
106mm x 60mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Chalcocite replacing Galena with Dolomite, Cerussite, Quartz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
80mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Biehlite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
35mm x 25mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cerussite (twinned)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$45000
120mm x 100mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
30mm x 30mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone