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Tin

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Cassiterite (SnO2)

Cassiterite gets its name from the Greek word for ‘tin’. 

It is found in very few countries around the world. Tin ore is much rarer than other ores like copper (chalcopyrite) or iron (haematite). Cassiterite can be identified by its colour, its hardness and crystal shape.    Cassiterite forms in veins or lodes which can then be mined within in granite and surrounding rock. Because of its hardness, Cassiterite survives weathering and so can be washed into alluvial deposits found in river beds. 

Most of the world’s tin is now produced by Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Bolivia, and Australia.  Cornwall was the world’s largest producer of Tin up until the 1870s.

Data Panel: Tin Ore: Cassiterite SnO2 Tin oxide
colour	Black
hardness	6-7
Crystal system	Tetragonal
Crystal habit	Pyramids or prisms
Lustre	Adamantine or greasy
Streak	White
Fracture	Irregular
Other characteristics

 

 Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of Pat Comber