Olivenite

specimen number:
8311429

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:
Lustrous green crystals of olivenite to 0.5 cm in size on matrix. In good condition. These are on top of botryoidal green conichalcite.

The Tsumeb Mine, located in the Oshikoto Region of northern Namibia, is widely considered one of the most significant mineral localities in geological history. Geologically, it is a pipe-like polymetallic deposit that cross-cuts Precambrian-aged dolomites of the Otavi Group, formed by a complex combination of hydrothermal activity and karst-related collapse. The mine is world-famous for its incredible variety of secondary minerals, particularly olivenite, a copper arsenate that occurs here in a diverse array of habits ranging from dark green, needle-like crystals to lustrous, olive-green prismatic forms. Historically, the outcrop was known by indigenous San and Owambo people for centuries before German colonial interests began large-scale industrial mining and quarrying around 1900. The mine operated nearly continuously through much of the 20th century under the management of the Tsumeb Corporation Limited (TCL) before officially closing in 1996 due to the depletion of the ore body and rising operational costs. As of 2026, while the deep underground workings are flooded, Tsumeb remains a legendary site for mineralogists, having produced over 300 different mineral species, several of which were first discovered at this single location.

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