Judging by the neatly written label attached to the glass phial, this appears quite an old collection of alluvial Cassiterite pebbles which somebody once assembled. The phial contains thirteen individual pieces of Wood Tin, the banded, part-fibrous variety of Cassiterite. The earliest origins of tin mining in Cornwall are believed to have begun with the working of alluvial deposits in river and stream beds and ancient, now dry, courses of such drainage features. There are four larger pieces, the largest measuring 1.6 cm; five mid-size pieces and four tiny fragments, the latter each well under 1 cm in at least two dimensions. All pieces exhibit slightly different characteristics including banded, slightly botryoidal and partially fibrous habits while one is attached to some water worn Quartz.

Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.

Crystal Classics

Tucson, Arizona, USA