Twinned Cassiterite (gemmy) Rukin Jelks Coll.

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 euhedral specimen hosts a few fine quality, sharp, highly lustrous, translucent, cyclic twinned crystals ranging from dark brown to a rich "golden-straw" color. 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, and the fact that it shows color is a great bonus. This classic older material from the Rukin Jelks Collection.