In the first of our galleries dedicated to famous mineral localities, we've chosen Tsumeb, Namibia as our focus.

The mine complex collectively known as the Tsumeb Mine has produced more distinct mineral species than any other locality on earth, including a wealth of rare species found only in this deposit. Though no longer a producing mine, specimens from Tsumeb still form the foundation of many distinguished collections, old and new alike. Beauty, rarity, history...Tsumeb has it all.

Wulfenite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.3 x 2.9 cm
 

NY-139 -A lustrous, deep amber wulfenite sits on a contrasting matrix accompanied by several smaller, tabular crystals. The main crystal here is a full 1.0 cm thick and is in superb condition for the material and locality. This would make a fine addition to any Tsumeb suite or worldwide collection of miniatures.

Malachite pseudo. after Azurite - $975
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.2 x 4.1 x 2.8 cm

MMB-890 - An exquisite velvety shimmer called chatoyancy makes this rich forest-green malachite pseudomorph a joy to hold in the hand to admire. The association here with the light-green colored bayldonite not only adds a nice color contrast but also signifies this specimen likely came from the first oxidation zone of the mine, an area worked in the late 1800's to early 1900's. A true classic!

Cobaltian Smithsonite - $850
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
11.0 x 6.4 cm

MMB-893 - With a silky luster and a pleasant pink color, this cobaltian smithsonite would make a great addition to a Tsumeb suite (or worldwide collection). The back of the specimen is likewise covered in crystallized smithsonite. A galena crystal crowned with pink crystals displays a metallic shimmer. Great condition.

Copper and Calcite - $695
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
7.6 x 6.3 cm
 

MMB-847 - Dendritic copper crystals extend from a matrix of crystallized calcite in this small cabinet specimen from Tsumeb. Natural copper crystals from Tsumeb are quite rare, and this is a fine combination piece for any Tsumeb suite or worldwide collection.

Tarnowitzite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.4 x 7.6 cm

MMB-845 - A 2.5 cm tarnowitzite crystal rests on a multi-colored matrix in this particularly attractive example of the rare, lead rich variety of aragonite. Several of the smaller tarnowitzite crystals are doubly terminated. Each is lustrous and well-formed. Quite nice!

Dioptase on Calcite - $7500
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
6.0 x 5.2 x 4.8 cm

MMY-1216 - Whether you are looking for isolated, doubly-terminated dioptase crystals (to 1.6 cm) or a flashy cluster of deep green dioptase, this specimen has it. The crystallized white calcite matrix, unique to Tsumeb specimens, provides splendid contrast. Were it not for a few tiny dings – you'll have to hunt for them – this piece would be $17500 or more.

— custom lucite base

Cerussite with Malachite inclusions - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.3 x 3.5 x 2.6 cm

MMB-605 - In this rare and coveted miniature from Tsumeb, reticulated crystals of cerussite are richly included with malachite. Due to the nature of the material, there is some damage on the piece, as is expected. The cerussite is highly transparent, allowing the malachite inclusions to be seen clearly.

Calcite on Matrix - SOLD
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
6.8 x 6.5 x 5.1 cm

MMS-260 - A flashy cluster of very transparent and glassy calcite rhombohedrons from Tsumeb would make a fine addition to any display case. Perched atop the two largest rhombs is a smaller calcite cluster which adds that little extra pizazz in my opinion. These calcites are classics, and finding a pristine example is becoming more and more difficult. Equally attractive from 360°

Cerussite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.3 x 4.0 x 2.7 cm

MMY-1207 - Twinned cerussite crystals looking like a leaded glass butterfly rest next to a larger hoppered cerussite crystal on matrix. Very lustrous and in great condition for the species, this is clearly a competition level miniature. Outstanding!

– ex Minette Collection, – ex Wendell Wilson Collection

Cerussite - $4250
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.8 x 4.6 x 3.1 cm
- ex Pellman Collection

MMS-208 - A significant water-clear cerussite jewel (2.4 cm) showing V-twinning perches atop a stack of untwinned partly transparent cerussite with a bit of matrix. Classic cerussite crystals from Tsumeb are highly sought after by collectors, especially specimens with superb form and transparency.

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Cerussite - $1750
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
6.4 x 4.2 x 4.6 cm

MMS-160 - "Nature's leaded glass," these unusually thick, reticulated cerussite crystals on matrix are highly gemmy and lustrous. Tsumeb cerussites set the standard for the species. Due to the mineral's softness, few specimens remain on matrix.

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Malachite ps. after Azurite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.2 x 3.6 x 2.7 cm

MMB-597 - A lovely pair of sharp, velvety crystals of malachite pseudo. after azurite perches atop a peach-pink matrix. Scattered crystal of primary malachite contrast nicely on the host rock. The largest crystal measures 2.5 x 2.0 cm and displays the "wet" luster or chatoyancy that makes these specimens famous.

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Cobaltian Smithsonite - $750
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.4 x 3.3 x 2.5 cm

MMB-596 - This attractive miniature features lustrous, gemmy crystals of smithsonite with a pleasing pink color. The largest crystal measures 2.0 cm from tip to tip. Tsumeb is famous for its fine smithsonites...own one!

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Copper - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
10.0 x 8.5 x 3.8 cm
— ex Marshall & Charlotte Sussman Collection

MMB-602 - An aborescent native copper specimen from the well-known Tsumeb collection of Marshall & Charlotte Sussman shows an orangy-red patina and many branching "boughs" front and back. Though copper was a major ore from Tsumeb, few fine, crystallized specimens were recovered.

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Calcite with Malachite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.5 x 3.8 x 3.0 cm

MMB-594 - Deep green primary malachite clusters perch on and are included in glassy rhombohedral crystals of calcite on a drusy, red-tan matrix. A fine miniature!

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Cuprian Adamite on Tennantite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.8 x 3.8 x 3.0 cm

MMB-598 - Forest green crystals of cuprian adamite with high luster have formed on pyramidal tennantite crystals. The combination of isolated crystal and clusters is particularly attractive in this miniature specimen.

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Malachite ps. after Azurite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.1 x 4.3 x 2.5 cm
— ex Irv Brown Collection

MMB-603 - A gorgeous specimen of malachite pseudomorphed after azurite has unusually sharp edges along with the chatoyant patterns loved by all. The specimen is equally exciting on the back showing a complex pattern of crystals. Note the vertical striations on the c-axis, still visible though the azurite has oxidized and changed form to malachite.

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Duftite on Calcite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
3.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm

MMB-595 - Radial clusters of velvet-like duftite showing a blueish-green color are associated with lustrous calcite rhombs. The contrast of color and form make this a nice miniature from Tsumeb.

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Heterogenite on Calcite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.8 x 4.0 x 3.5 cm

MMB-599 - A layer of heterogenite coats calcite crystals in this unique (and attractive) small cabinet specimen. Besides the patterning introduced from the calcite crystals, the botryoidal heterogenite adds an aesthetic touch. Heterogenite is a cobalt mineral of formula CoO(OH).

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Cuprite on Matrix - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.8 x 4.0 x 2.9 cm

MMB-601 - A cluster of deep red cuprite crystals formed on a light pink matrix. The cuprite displays differently depending on lighting and may appear darker in some displays. Mostly translucent with metallic luster.

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