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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Adamite with Wulfenite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 35mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Azurite with Malachite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$105
22mm x 22mm x 14mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
ZINCOLIVENITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$880
39mm x 27mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$860
75mm x 60mm x 35mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cuprian-Adamite & Tsumcorite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$421 *
37mm x 25mm x 16mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltoan Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
40mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltoan Dolomite "Cast" after Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
100mm x 70mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
89mm x 59mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite with Tennantite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$425
95mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Dioptase on Calcite (classic material)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$537
37mm x 23mm x 21mm
From: Mineral Classics
Wulfenite with Calcite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$955
50mm x 45mm x 5mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cuprian Adamite with Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$400
37mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: Marin Minerals