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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Dioptase & Calcite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3852 *
75mm x 66mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Willemite and Calcite ps. after Azurite with Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$5000
50mm x 50mm x 40mm
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
Aragonite var. Zincian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$250
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Anglesite with Posnjakite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
70mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
40mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dolomite after Tarnowitzite with Copper on Dolomite cast
Tsumeb, Namibia
$500
45mm x 45mm x 35mm
From: Marin Minerals
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$843 *
38mm x 31mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltoan Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
40mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprian-Adamite & Tsumcorite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$421 *
37mm x 25mm x 16mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cerussite (twinned) on Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
10mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Zincgartrellite ANALYSED
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$6019 *
54mm x 45mm x 28mm
From: Wendel Minerals
gemmy DIOPTASE, CALCITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$480
46mm x 40mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
