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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Wulfenite with Dolomite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$280
45mm x 45mm x 20mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Dioptase and Smithsonite on Calcite
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto), Namibia
$95
23mm x 19mm x 17mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Tarnowitzite with Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$250
40mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Tsumcorite (Type Locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
ZINCOLIVENITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$880
39mm x 27mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Olivenite with Quartz
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1500
40mm x 23mm x 12mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
100mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
