Gemmy twinned Cassiterite xls

Item Description

Dazzlingly splendent, sharp, finely-formed twinned cassiterite crystals form an impressive mounded specimen. The crystals reach 2.0 cm. All of the major crystals on the crest and one end are pristine and the piece has several fine display views. Periphery wear is noted, but is certainly only a modest detraction. This find was a big departure from the more familiar opaque black crystals from Ping Wu (different province), and represents an important new occurrence for the species. NOTE: crystals shown in normal lighting. With strong lighting, they are gem-clear to translucent with rich root beer-brown to golden-ambers hues. This small and remote deposit has produced the gemmiest cassiterites of China, and since the Bolivian material of the 1970s. But, it remains seldom known and specimens are very few compared to those from Pingwu in Sichuan Province - which have another habit entirely. The base has been sawed to enhance the display. Very hefty tin ore at 247 grams. We have seen similar pieces offered at major shows by prominent dealers for $2500.