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 after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$12500
90mm x 75mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Smithsonite (Cobaltian)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12500
80mm x 80mm x 80mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite (twinned)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$45000
120mm x 100mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Anglesite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
37mm x 35mm x 29mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Manganoan Smithsonite with Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$9500
100mm x 60mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
140mm x 110mm x 80mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$301 *
49mm x 37mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Adamite Var. Cuproadamite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1600
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite and Cerussite on Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Linarite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2287 *
56mm x 38mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals