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Cassiterite with Siderite and Quartz
- Viloco mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia
- Small Cabinet, 7.2 x 6.1 x 3.0 cm
- Start Time: 04/03/2014 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 04/10/2014 6:46:28 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
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 particular specimen hosts many great quality, sharp, lustrous, black, cyclic twinned crystals up to 6 mm which are associated with tan "discs" of Siderite and a handful of colorless Quartz crystals. Keep in mind that despite all of the thousands of tons of tin ore that are mined in Bolivia each year, Viloco is the only mine to produce gem quality crystals that are large enough and fine enough to facet stones. This piece is in great shape overall. This classic material from Viloco is simply not seen for sale in today's market.