Cassiterite on Quartz

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 classic, lustrous, sharp, black and golden cyclic twinned crystal groups of Cassiterite sitting on white prismatic Quartz crystals. Very little damage, and aesthetic to be sure. Hard to photograph and better in person. A large percentage of the Cassiterites from this mine are rarely found with any associated minerals, let alone attractive contrasting white Quartz like this one.

Specimen # BOL711B162