Cassiterite Gemstone
Cassiterite
Cassiterite is the most important ore that occurs from tin and is marked with high durability. The name of this mineral is derived from the word “Cassiterides” which was used to describe British islands during the pre-Roman times. Their most prevalent usage is in the form of gemstones. The name Cassiterite was derived from a Greek word “kassiteros” which stands for tin. It is also popularly known as ‘tinstones’.
Cassiterite occurs in pegmatites and can be washed into alluvial deposits. Localities include the Malay Peninsula, England, Germany, Australia, Bolivia, Mexico and Namibia.
Cassiterite is a rare natural gemstone. The color of Cassiterite can be black, brownish black, brown, gray, yellowish, greenish, red or colorless. Cassiterite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scales. Cassiterite has much more dispersive fire than even diamond. Cassiterite is one of the rarest gemstones.
Cassiterite is primarily concentrated in alluvial surfaces. They are mainly available in the tin mines located in Bolivia where they exist in hydrothermal veins. This type of ore is available in small elements that are derived from igneous rocks. The different aspects of this ore are elaborately arranged and exhibit tremendous amount of luster. Associated minerals with which cassiterite ores are generally found are Tourmalines, Molybdenite, Bismuthinite, Topaz, Fluorite, and Wolframite.