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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Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Willemite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
70mm x 66mm x 44mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dioptase on Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$500
80mm x 52mm x 39mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Dioptase
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1685 *
53mm x 30mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Tennanite ps. Enargite with Chrysocolla
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2250
90mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Anglesite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$782 *
49mm x 39mm x 29mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite (rare gem crystal)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4800
30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Biehlite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$5417 *
42mm x 26mm x 19mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
DOLOMITE var. COBALTOAN DOLOMITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$115
17mm x 15mm x 11mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Azurite with Malachite and Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$16000
80mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite ps. after Azurite on Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
70mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone