Cassiterite

Viloco, Bolivia
Gems, 0.18 ct, 2.93 mm
Start Time: 05/11/2017 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 05/18/2017 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Cassiterite is rarely seen in faceted stones as the matieral if often not transparent enough to cut fine stones, plus it requires a skilled cutter to properly handle the brittle material. Bolivia has probably produced more Cassiterite ore than any country in the world. The large majority of the Cassiterite from Viloco is completely opaque and black. Rarely, gem quality crystals are found and those that escape the crusher are prized for their clarity. This particular stone was faceted from a piece of rough that was obtained directly at the mine at Viloco around 2000. It has a light straw color with minor tan overtones, and a "Quantum Round" cut. The stone is nearly eye clean, and a worthwhile overall gem for the starting price.

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