Cassiterite with Quartz and TOURMALINE (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The great tin mine at Viloco (sometimes called Araca) has produced some of the most magnificent Cassiterite specimens extant, and a very small percentange of these pieces are actually associated with TOURMALINE. This particular specimen consists of a few fine, sharp, lustrous, brown/black cyclic twinned crystals of Cassiterite measuring up to 8 mm across with gemmy, colorless crystals of Quartz, but the most interesting aspect of the piece is on the reverse side where one can see small acicular greenish-black crystals of Tourmaline! This association is seen in only a handful of Cassiterite specimens from this historic loaclity. This is a very attractive piece and one of the better ones for quality, luster and crystal size that I've seen in recent years. The very hard to find Tourmaline association on this piece is certainly special, and worthwhile for any collector. From the collection of Brian Kosnar as his old collection number (BK 187) can be seen on the corner of the piece. Valued at $700.