Cassiterite

The Huanuni mine, located in Bolivia, is one of the largest tin mines in the world and home to the single richest cassiterite deposit globally. While the mine is better known for its phosphate species, it also yields some of the most unique and attractive cassiterite specimens. Cassiterite, an orthorhombic mineral, often exhibits intricate crystal forms due to cyclical twinning. Some cassiterite varieties display banded patterns and, when found in placer deposits, are referred to as "wood tin" because of their brown colour and superficial resemblance to wood growth rings.

This particular specimen features splendent, jet-black cassiterite crystals that completely encrust both sides of the matrix plate. The crystals, which measure up to 4 mm across, exhibit fine quality with lustrous faces. Unfortunately, nearly all material extracted from the Huanuni mine is sent directly to the crusher, making specimens like this exceedingly rare. This is a showy, highly representative small cabinet piece—an exceptional find from the renowned Huanuni mine.

*Comes with an old label from the University of British Columbia Geological Museum.