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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Cerussite with Malachite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$140
53mm x 34mm x 20mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Wulfenite with Tsumebite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$2000
50mm x 35mm x 28mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Smithsonite Var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1685 *
78mm x 58mm x 32mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$12500
90mm x 75mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$12500
130mm x 70mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$963 *
65mm x 51mm x 32mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Manganoan Smithsonite with Pyrite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Willemite and Calcite ps. after Azurite with Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$5000
50mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1083 *
55mm x 44mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Malachite with Dolomite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$3000
160mm x 80mm x 60mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
