Cassiterite with Quartz

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 piece features several, sharp, semi-lustrous, somewhat gemmy, brown and black color, cyclic twinned Cassiterite crystals measuring up to 4 mm associated with prismatic Quartz crystals. Some of the Quartz crystals have tiny Smoky Quartz tips on the terminations, which is not common with my experience with this material. The piece is in great shape, and most crystals are virtually damage free. More than a reference specimen, and fun to view under high magnification. This classic material from Viloco is simply not seen for sale in today's market.