Cassiterite (var. 'wood tin') ex. Univ Arizona

Item Description

An unusual flat plate of what looks like rusty boiling water, frozen in place - this is so-called "wood tin". The swirling appearance of the pattern is really attractive here. Cassiiterite of this btryoidal style is uncommon today, though came from a few historic localities in the past. It was great for smelting, and so much of it was indeed, melted down. Ex. University of Arizona Mineral Museum collection, ex Russell Honea donation (1980). 151 grams