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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Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$6000
50mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Chalcocite ps. Tennantite on Quartz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
gemmy DIOPTASE, CALCITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$480
46mm x 40mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite Var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
56mm x 43mm x 21mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Malachite ps. after Azurite on Mottramite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
70mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Aragonite var. tarnowitzite, dolomite
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$140
36mm x 32mm x 15mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Adamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$301 *
43mm x 32mm x 27mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2250
40mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (1971 Gem Pocket) with Beaverite
Gem Pocket (1971), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
50mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Calcite with iron inclusions
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
50mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
140mm x 90mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone