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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Azurite and Cerussite on Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Biehlite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$5417 *
42mm x 26mm x 19mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite (1971 Gem Pocket)
Gem Pocket (1971), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$500
80mm x 52mm x 39mm
From: Bob Griffis Minerals
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite on Malachite ps. after Tennantite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$6000
130mm x 90mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Pyrite Blister Copper Form""
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
96mm x 55mm x 20mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Malachite psm Azurite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$289 *
42mm x 29mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cuprian Adamite with Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$400
37mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: Marin Minerals
Silver, Zincolivenite, Ferrilotharmeyerite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 35mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Cerussite (untwinned)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1950
70mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1685 *
53mm x 30mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
DOLOMITE var. COBALTOAN DOLOMITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$115
17mm x 15mm x 11mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$950
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone