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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Manganoan Smithsonite with Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$9500
100mm x 60mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite with Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$9000
70mm x 50mm x 35mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Aragonite var. Zincian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$250
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dolomite Cast & Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$457 *
67mm x 50mm x 20mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cerussite Var. Schwarzbleierz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1750
60mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Manganoan Smithsonite with Chalcocite inclusions
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
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
Mimetite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
59mm x 50mm x 31mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite with Smithsonite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1500
70mm x 50mm x 23mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
