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 consists of a sharp, lustrous, gemmy, thumbnail sized, cyclic twinned crystal group. It is a nice little display piece of this material, and most people do not realize that Viloco is the only mine in Bolivia that produces GEM quality Cassiterite, which accounts for about 2-3% of all Cassiterite specimens found at this mine. These classic specimens from Viloco are simply not seen for sale in today's market. Great shape overall, with only one tiny nick on the display side.