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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Smithsonite (colbaltian)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3250
70mm x 50mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Adamite with Wulfenite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 35mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cobaltdolomite CAST & Duftite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
76mm x 66mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Wulfenite with Tsumebite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$2000
50mm x 35mm x 28mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Zincolivenite (Cuprian Adamite) on Quartz
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
85mm x 45mm x 40mm
From: Marin 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
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1750
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Otavite with Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
30mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprite with Dolomite and Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1350
70mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$3500
65mm x 40mm x 35mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
60mm x 60mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone