Cassiterite (cyclic twins) with Quartz and Siderite

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 excellent, sharp, highly lustrous, black to golden color (when backlit) cyclic twinned crystals associated with prismatic GEM quality, colorless Quartz crystals and minor compressed tan Siderite crystals. The luster and form of the Cassiterite is great for the material. The largest crystal measures 1.1 cm across. These classic specimens from Viloco are simply not seen for sale in today's market very often, especially with such sharp and lustrous crystals like this. Great quality all around, with no real damage that I can see with the naked eye. It's hard to find such fine crystallized Cassiterites on beautiful Quartz matrix like this from Viloco.