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. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
80mm x 60mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Biehlite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$2167 *
35mm x 25mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Smithsonite var. Manganoan Smithsonite with Pyrite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
50mm x 40mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Manganoan
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7000
70mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dolomite after Tarnowitzite with Copper on Dolomite cast
Tsumeb, Namibia
$500
45mm x 45mm x 35mm
From: Marin Minerals
Schneiderhöhnite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
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
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1083 *
59mm x 34mm x 23mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Duftite on Malachite ps. after Azurite
Tsumeb Mine (Ongopolo Mine), Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$5000
140mm x 90mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
70mm x 40mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$6500
80mm x 50mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite (Easter Pocket)
Easter Pocket (1994), Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
40mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite on Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cuprian Smithsonite, Rosasite on Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2250
20mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone