Cassiterite

Item Description

Bolivia has probably produced more tin than any other country in the world. The great tin mines at Viloco (sometimes called Araca) have produced some of the most magnificent Cassiterite specimens extant. This particular specimen consists of several fine, sharp, highly lustrous, mirror bright, gemmy, brown/black cyclic twinned crystals measuring up to 2.0 cm with gemmy crystals of Quartz and small tan "discs" of Siderite. This is a very attractive piece and one of the better ones for quality, luster and crystal size that I've seen in recent years. The piece is in great shape, and the only thing keeping this from being a $1500-$2000 specimen is the fact that there are two contacted crystals on the display side. It is still a very attractive association specimen from this historic locality.