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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Malachite after Azurite with Smithsonite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1200
85mm x 50mm x 25mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Smithsonite on Calcite
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto), Namibia
$500
69mm x 56mm x 37mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Heterogenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprian Adamite on Zincolivenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Conichalcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1450
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
60mm x 60mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$5000
80mm x 35mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
DOLOMITE var. COBALTOAN DOLOMITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$115
17mm x 15mm x 11mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Zincolivenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2450
20mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Adamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$301 *
43mm x 32mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Schneiderhöhnite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
