Cassiterite

A unique Cassiterite from this classic tin deposit in Bolivia. Viloco (sometimes called Araca) for many years has stood as one of the top Cassiterite localities in the world. This mine is still active today and bears the unique distinction of producing the only GEM quality (facet grade) Cassiterites from any mine in Bolivia. Considering the millions of tons of tin ore that Bolivia has yielded, the fact that only one mine ever produced transparent Cassiterite is remarkable.

This piece is a superb, lustrous, sharp, eye-catching, jet-black to golden / “root beer” colored crystal group with an unusual crystallization for the locality. It does not feature the classic cyclic twins, but rather an interesting arrangement of tetragonal crystals creating a “tree” shape. Good condition, and certainly different from the typical Cassiterites from Viloco. If you’re a Cassiterite collector, or a Bolivian mineral collector, be sure to pick up this one.

Specimen # BOL711B151