Specimen #1022

Name: Cassiterite with Siderite and Quartz

Type: Mineral

Locality: Viloco mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 5.3 x 4. 3x 3.0 cm

Weight: 121

Acquired: 2008-11-25

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: Y

Comment: Bolivia has probably produced more tin than any other country in the world. The great tin mines at Viloco (sometimes called Araca) have produced some of the most magnificent Cassiterite specimens extant. This particular specimen hosts several fine, sharp, highly lustrous, black-brown cyclic twinned crystals with gem Quartz crystals and tan Siderite "rosettes". The piece is in great shape, and the most of the crystals are completely damage free. It is a very nice display piece of this material. These classic specimens from Viloco are simply not seen for sale in today's market, and to find crystals with Siderite and Quartz like this one is rare.

Minerals: Cassiterite (SnO2) Quartz (SiO2) Siderite (Fe++CO3)

There are 2 pictures on file

M01022-01.jpg:

Cassiterite, Viloco mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia - 5.3 x 4. 3x 3.0 cm

M01022-02.jpg:

Cassiterite, Viloco mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia