Cassiterite (cyclic twins) on Siderite

Item Description

Bolivia is one of, if not the most prolific tin producing country in the world. The great tin mines at Viloco (sometimes called Araca) have produced some of the most magnificent Cassiterite specimens ever found. This toenail sized piece features a fine quality, very sharp, highly lustrous, cyclic twinned crystal group of Cassiterite sitting atop pale beige colored compressed rhombohedra of Siderite on matrix. The piece is in excellent shape overall, and the twinned group measures 1.2 cm across. You'd be hard pressed to get your hands on Cassiterites from Viloco these days, as little material seems to be available on the market. Valued at $400 in the inventory.