Dioptase

specimen number:
2292196

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:
Blocky lustrous deep green crystals of dioptase to 0.7 cm in size on matrix. In good condition.

The Tsumeb mine, located in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia, was a major underground polymetallic mine that operated as a commercial producer of lead, copper, zinc, silver, and arsenic. Geologically, the deposit is a hydrothermal, pipe-like structure hosted within Neoproterozoic dolostones of the Otavi Group, featuring an exceptionally deep oxidation zone that allowed for the formation of diverse secondary base metal minerals. Industrial-scale mining began in 1900 under German colonial administration via the Otavi Mining and Railway Company. The operation was later acquired by the Tsumeb Corporation Limited in 1947, which modernized the underground shafts and processing facilities. Production continued nearly uninterrupted until 1996, when the mine permanently closed due to resource depletion and flooding of the lower working levels.

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