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 Var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
56mm x 43mm x 21mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12000
60mm x 60mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite Ps. Azurite
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
40mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Silver, Zincolivenite, Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 35mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Cerussite Var. Schwarzbleierz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1750
60mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
70mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
140mm x 90mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cuprian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1500
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Otavite & Rosasite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3130 *
31mm x 28mm x 19mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cuprite with Dolomite and Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1350
70mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Adamite Var. Cuproadamite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1600
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Aragonite var. tarnowitzite, dolomite
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$140
36mm x 32mm x 15mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cuprian on Rosasite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$385 *
55mm x 41mm x 36mm
From: Wendel Minerals