Cassiterite with Siderite and Quartz

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 specimen hosts fine quality, sharp, very lustrous, cyclic twinned crystal groups of Cassiterite with minor golden Siderite and prismatic Quartz. The color ranges from black to a deep root beer color to a golden hue. The piece is in great shape overall, and the largest twin measures 1.2 cm across, which is good sized for the material. These classic specimens from Viloco are simply not seen for sale in today's market, and to find isolated crystals with the highly desirable association of Quartz and Siderite like this is not at all common! Valued at $650.