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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Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
50mm x 30mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1250
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprian Adamite on Zincolivenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on and included in Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1500
30mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (2 colors)
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$500
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite on Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb District, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$425
92mm x 70mm x 55mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Heterogenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cobaltoan Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
40mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4000
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Reg., Namibia
$25
32mm x 37mm x 17mm
From: GreatCrystals.com
