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

Item Description

A striking and unusual looking pair of so-called "wood tin" nuggets from an obscure locale in Bolivia. The highly scuptural and lustrous, rich chocolate-brown piece looks like a meteorite and the lustrous tan botryoid looks like a mushroom cap. Cassiiterite of this botryoidal 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 (1979). These are two of a seven piece lot. 116 grams total mass.