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.
Filter Options:
Order By:
gemmy DIOPTASE, CALCITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$480
46mm x 40mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Malachite pseudomorph after Azurite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$963 *
45mm x 37mm x 23mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dioptase on and included in Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1500
30mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Zincolivenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
20mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Pyrite & Chalcocite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$782 *
69mm x 46mm x 38mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Malachite psm Azurite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$289 *
42mm x 29mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Schneiderhohnite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$15000
40mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite on Smithsonite Cast
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
76mm x 50mm x 46mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Azurite
Easter Pocket | Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$4333 *
58mm x 38mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Leiteite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
60mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite (1971 Gem Pocket)
Gem Pocket (1971), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Schneiderhöhnite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Ludlockite TSUMEB
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$350
68mm x 45mm x 38mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
