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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Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$400
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Manganoan Smithsonite with Chalcocite inclusions
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
50mm x 30mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1750
40mm x 40mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
40mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Linarite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2287 *
56mm x 38mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite (Gem Pocket 1971)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$13500
40mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Willemite on Willemite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
50mm x 50mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite with Malachite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$140
53mm x 34mm x 20mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Azurite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$939 *
56mm x 37mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
ARAGONITE var. LEAD-BEARING ARAGONITE (TARNOWIZITE), MALACHITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$240
42mm x 37mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Azurite with Malachite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$105
22mm x 22mm x 14mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$7824 *
91mm x 69mm x 54mm
From: Wendel Minerals
