Cassiterite (gemmy!)

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 hosts several fine, sharp, lustrous, GEMMY, golden-brown color, cyclic twinned crystals measuring up to 1.6 cm and associated with gemmy, prismatic Quartz crystals. The quality of the Cassiterite crystals is about as good as it gets from this mine. The piece itself is in great shape overall, and displays well from several angles. Despite the large amount of Cassiterite specimens that this mine has produced, most collectors will tell you how difficult it is to obtain a fine quality display specimen from this mine like this one. Viloco is certainly the premier locality for Cassiterite specimens when it comes to Bolivian mines. This piece was valued at $600 in the inventory.