Guide
Cassiterite specimens for sale
233 for sale · $100–$9,500 USD
247 in the gallery
Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral, SnO2, that typically forms dense, prismatic to tabular crystals with a strong, adamantine to resinous luster. The mineral commonly presents in dark brown to black tones, sometimes with reddish or orange hues when stained, and it can occur in heavy masses or well-formed crystals. It is a principal ore of tin and frequently associated with hydrothermal vein deposits, granitic pegmatites, and skarn environments, where it crystallizes in tight, concise habits that reflect its crystallographic symmetry. High-quality crystals from classic localities display sharp, well-defined faces and a vitreous to adamantine sheen that makes them highly prized by collectors.
- Formula
- SnO2
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
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Guides
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Guide
Cassiterite from Viloco Mine, Bolivia
Viloco Mine cassiterite — Bolivia’s essential tin locality, known for dark, mirror-bright crystals and rare transparent, facet-quality specimens.Read guide
Guide
Cassiterite from Panasqueira Mines, Portugal
Panasqueira Mines, Portugal — Cassiterite, a classic European W-Sn-Cu locality; jet-black, sharp crystals with luster, often with muscovite and quartz.Read guide
Guide
Cassiterite from Erongo Mountains, Namibia
Cassiterite from the Erongo Mountains, Namibia — sharp, lustrous, twinned black crystals; scarce matrix pieces; prized for its Namibian mining history.Read guideAbout Cassiterite
Notable specimens come from prolific tin-producing regions such as Bolivia, China, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Portugal. Classic pockets yield lustrous, dark prisms that can occur as single crystals or in compact aggregate clusters, often accompanied by minerals like wolframite, quartz, or manganite, which add contrast and context for locality geology. Collectors value Cassiterite for its color range, crystal form, and historical significance in the tin mining story. In hand, the weight and density of Cassiterite crystals convey a satisfying sense of solidity that complements its striking appearance.
