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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Tsumcorite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2500
70mm x 50mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$3500
80mm x 40mm x 40mm
From: The Arkenstone
Tsumcorite (Type Locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite and Cerussite on Malachite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$2400
80mm x 70mm x 50mm
From: The Arkenstone
Wulfenite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1200
20mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Malachite psm Azurite
Tsumeb Mine | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$289 *
42mm x 29mm x 22mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Mimetite (Gem Pocket 1971)
Gem Pocket, Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$4500
30mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
