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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Malachite after Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$9500
90mm x 80mm x 60mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cerussite (twinned) on Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2000
10mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Calcite with Mottramite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$150
75mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Malachite replacing Azurite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1450
75mm x 55mm x 25mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Azurite, Bayldonite after Mimetite, Wulfenite
Tsumeb, Namibia
$600
75mm x 55mm x 25mm
From: Marin Minerals
Cerussite Var. Schwarzbleierz
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1750
60mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Otavite with Cerussite, Mimetite
Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto, Namibia
$1250
24mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: Weinrich Minerals
Cerussite, dolomite
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$280
52mm x 37mm x 33mm
From: Spirifer Minerals
Azurite (Easter Pocket)
Easter Pocket, Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto, Namibia
$6000
70mm x 50mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite (Cobaltian)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$12500
80mm x 80mm x 80mm
From: The Arkenstone
Smithsonite var. Cuprian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1500
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Heterogenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone