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.

Cerussite - $3250 SALE $2950
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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Dioptase on Calcite - $3500
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.0 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm

MMB-561 - With luscious luster and form, this dioptase specimen features a gemmy 1.9 cm crystal of the finest saturated green showing phantoms when backlit. The crystals are in superb condition. No longer available from the source, dioptase specimens with large crystals on white matrix are particularly sought after and revered.

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Azurite & Malachite - $5250
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
6.2 x 3.9 x 3.9 cm
- ex Ed David Collection, - ex Irv Brown Collection

MMS-201 - A parallel pair of highly lustrous azurite crystals (to 3.4 cm) looks like two arrowheads embedded in a malachite crystal. The light green areas in the photo are evidence of the chatoyancy (sheen) this specimen displays, quite attractive in person. Two additional azurite crystals intersect the malachite.

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Calcite - $850
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.3 x 4.8 x 4.3 cm

MMB-566 - A classic from Tsumeb, this cluster of calcite crystals has a reddish tinge from hematite inclusions that deepens in color towards the tips of the crystals and on the back of the specimen. The crystals are in pristine condition with great luster. The piece is complete and attractive from 360 degrees.

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Cerussite - $1750 SALE $1250
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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Wulfenite, Malachite, Dolomite - $5000 SALE $4500
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
9.6 x 6.2 x 5.7 cm

MMS-110 - In addition to the sharp window-pane wulfenite crystals (to 20mm), pale gray, bladed dolomite rosettes are distributed on a dark green botryoidal malachite layer likely pseudomorphed after tennantite. Close examination reveals prismatic azurite also likely pseudomorphed after tennantite. Considered by many collectors to be the most important ore body ever discovered, Tsumeb produced a wealth of fantastic specimens. Top quality pieces show promise to rise substantially in value.

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Dioptase on Calcite - $1350
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
3.8 x 3.4 x 3.1 cm

MMS-219 - Tsumeb dioptase is perhaps the most sought after mineral from this prolific locality. This piece embodies the most classic dioptase combination: emerald green dioptase on clear white calcite. A jewel of nature if ever there is one! The photo says it all.

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Azurite - $3500
Tsumeb Mine, Charlie Key Pocket (1960s), Namibia
4.6 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm
- ex Karl Warning Collection, - ex Bill Severance Collection

MMS-162 - In this classic Tsumeb azurite miniature, sharp-edged, deep electric blue crystals rise in parallel looking to all the world like a masterwork of architecture. Miniature specimens from Tsumeb of this quality are rather scarce, and pieces from the famed Charlie Key Pocket of the 1960's find a proud place in any mineral collection.

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Cerussite - $7950 SALE $7000
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.8 x 4.9 x 6.0 cm

MMS-174 - Highly lustrous and transparent, reticulated cerussite crystals along with twinned cerussite jewels make for an aesthetic specimen. In person, one gets a better feel for the depth of the specimen. The piece is free from serious damage.

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Azurite on Malachite - $2000
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
3.5 x 2.9 x 2.2 cm

MMB-538 - Doubly-terminated, gem azurite crystals to 1.9 cm rest on a bed of chatoyant primary malachite that also hosts several small wulfenite crystals. The azurite crystals are sharp, pristine, and much more transparent than any of the photos illustrate. This piece is a smaller version of the masterpiece featured in the Connoisseur's Corner several weeks ago. An outstanding miniature!

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