VERY FINE CASSITERITE. ...

Description

VERY FINE CASSITERITE
Beryl-Scheelite deposit, Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
Although there are a number of minerals that contain Tin as an integral component; only Cassiterite: the mineral form of Tin Oxide, occurs in economic quantities. Since the period from approximately 3,300-1,200 BCE constitutes the "Bronze Age", it stands to reason that the process of mining and refining Tin; an essential component of Bronze, had to have started around the same time. As a result; it may safely be said that Cassiterite has been a very highly valued ingredient in the development of primitive as well as modern technology. Cassiterite normally is extracted from the heavy, black sands and gravels of certain river sediments, but there are a number of mines where the mineral occurs in high enough concentrations to be worthwhile to extract. Crystals of this indispensible mineral are typically: rare, small and usually damaged in mining. This Cassiterite specimen is not only an exception to that rule - it is so far above it that it constitutes a 'World Class' specimen when compared to any other mineral specimen. The single, twinned Cassiterite is extremely large at around 3 inches in length and it possesses the brilliant, almost metallic luster that fine Cassiterites are known for. The surface of the crystal is complex and mirror bright. This crystal is in pristine condition with no damage whatsoever. This black jewel is boldly perched upon a matrix of silvery, bladed Muscovite crystals that serve to contribute complexity and drama to the overall effect. Few, if any, Cassiterite specimens are the equal of this large and perfect example. Overall measurements are 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 inches and it has a custom labeled base.

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