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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Anglesite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
70mm x 40mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$6500
80mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cuprian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4000
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Zincolivenite (Cuprian Adamite) on Quartz
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
85mm x 45mm x 40mm
From: Marin Minerals
Azurite Ex Dietrich Mayer Coll.
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$10232 *
111mm x 61mm x 28mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
80mm x 60mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cadmium-Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1144 *
78mm x 68mm x 53mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Otavite & Rosasite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3130 *
31mm x 28mm x 19mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Dolomite Cast & Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$457 *
67mm x 50mm x 20mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Copper
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
160mm x 100mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite pseudomorph after azurite TSUMEB
Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$120
62mm x 52mm x 38mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$22500
100mm x 80mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone