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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Malachite Ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
60mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Pyrite & Chalcocite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$782 *
69mm x 46mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$6500
80mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite & Malachite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$662 *
64mm x 42mm x 26mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Heterogenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Willemite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
70mm x 66mm x 44mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Tsumcorite and Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$9000
90mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Rosasite & Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
69mm x 46mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1083 *
69mm x 54mm x 50mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Chalcocite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
59mm x 50mm x 31mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
89mm x 59mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals