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

Item Description

A striking and colorful "wood tin" nugget from an obscure locale in Bolivia. The highly scuptural and lustrous, rich chocolate-brown to brick-red piece looks like a pair of rouged lips! Cassiterite 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). This is one of a seven piece lot.