Cassiterite

The Viloco Mine (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 features several fine, lustrous, sharp, black cyclic twinned crystals which are associated with Quartz on matrix. A worthwhile smaller specimen of this classic material.

Specimen # BOL711B153