Cassiterite (gemmy cyclic twins)

Item Description

Some of the finest examples of Cassiterite in the world have come from Bolivia. This country is the source of more tin than almost any in the world. While the majority of most of the tin found in Bolivia is in the form of Cassiterite, a large percentage of that material is massive and uncrystallized, and not collector quality. The famous Viloco Mine (sometimes called Araca) on the other hand has long been known as a producer of magnificent Cassiterite specimens. This miniature hosts excellent quality, very sharp, highly lustrous, cyclic twinned crystals of Cassiterite sitting on a mixture of massive Cassiterite and Quartz matrix. What really sets this piece apart is the fact that the Cassiterite crystals are GEMMY, which is not only rare from Viloco, but Bolivia in general. As a matter of fact, the Viloco Mine is the only Bolivian locality out of hundreds of tin mines in Bolivia to produce gem quality Cassiterite, period. The color in the crystals on this specimen ranges from rich golden hue to a light amber tone with some silvery shades as well. The piece is in good shape overall on the display side but it's obviously contacted on the sides and back where it detached from the pocket wall. The largest twin measures 1.2 cm across. These classic specimens from Viloco are simply not seen for sale in today's market, so if you're in the market for a good quality example of this classic material, don't pass this one up for a great bargain. Originally priced in the inventory at $950.