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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Pyrite & Galena
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$542 *
45mm x 26mm x 16mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Ludlockite, Stottite and Germanite (illustrated)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia (Type Locality)
$12000
80mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Chalcocite ps. Tennantite on Quartz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Calcite on Dolomite Cast
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
86mm x 59mm x 39mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Adamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$301 *
43mm x 32mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite with Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (Gem Pocket 1971)
Gem Pocket, Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
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
Biehlite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
35mm x 25mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
82mm x 46mm x 33mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite (2 colors)
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$500
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
