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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Cuprian Adamite on matrix
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$250
10mm x 10mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Dioptase on Calcite with Duftite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$1800
40mm x 20mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltdolomite CAST & Duftite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$903 *
76mm x 66mm x 17mm
From: Wendel Minerals
gemmy DIOPTASE, CALCITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
$480
46mm x 40mm x 26mm
From: Quebul Fine Minerals
Leiteite (type locality)
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
60mm x 30mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
Schneiderhohnite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$3009 *
31mm x 22mm x 13mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Cuproadamite
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine) | Tsumeb | Otjikoto Region | Namibia
$1444 *
60mm x 51mm x 32mm
From: Wendel Minerals
Copper
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$7500
160mm x 100mm x 60mm
From: The Arkenstone
Azurite with Malachite and Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$16000
80mm x 30mm x 30mm
From: The Arkenstone
Cobaltian Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
$1250
50mm x 30mm x 20mm
From: The Arkenstone
Mimetite on Cerussite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
$750
30mm x 20mm x 10mm
From: The Arkenstone
