A super esthetic old Bolivian Cassiterite. Mostly all Cassiterite crystals with just minimal matrix and a few small Quartz crystals, in exceptional condition. The luster is glass-like and the crystals are fully translucent to transparent. The photos here are not backlit but with rear lighting the crystals glow a bright yellow-green to orange. The largest crystal is 4.2 CM across, which is huge for the locale, very few came close to that size and almost never with this fine form and luster. In excellent condition as seen, there are minor small edge rubs to mention but no damage. This from the Les Hitchings collection which he obtained in 1985, the era of the top finds at this amazing locality. Cassiterite of this quality has not been seen since then. This piece does look a lot like a fine Chinese Amo Mine Cassiterite in form but the larger size of the crystals and the internal color are distinctly different.
Cassiterite on Ferberite
stock #22.FC-014
Panasquieira Mines, Panasquiera Covilha
Castelo Branco District,
Portugal
4.3 x 3.3 x 1.8 CM (miniature)
price: $850
Fall 22
Very sharp, glassy and partly gemmy, Cassiterite crystals are perched on a crystal of Ferberite. From the famed mine of Panasqueira (Portugal), better known as a great source of Apatite, this is an unusually fine and lustrous specimen of Cassiterite. Some minor Muscovite and Siderite is also present but the main feature is the very fine Cassiterites.
Cassiterite on Quartz
stock #8.AE-1048
Elsmore Tin Mine, Elsmore, Gough Co.
New South Wales,
Australia
9.1 x 8.2 x 5.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1850
new year 2021
An exceptional specimen of top quality gemmy Cassiterite crystals scattered on a wide Quartz crystal. A classic Australian locale where mining began in 1871, this piece is the best I have seen personally and is a fine Cassiterite from any place. The crystals all show twinning, some are contacted but not broken, and all are super lustrous. Crystals are up to 2.3 CM across. The Quartz crystal is broken and contacted on the backside, the front has some edge contacts and rough areas but nothing distracting from the bright Cassiterites. These look black without strong light, but when well lit, they are a golden brown color, translucent to transparent and contrast well with the Quartz matrix.
Cassiterite- gemmy crystals on matrix
stock #10.1-320
Ximeng County, Pu'er Prefecture
Yunnan Province,
China
5.8 x 3.7 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
Spring 2020
An nice older Chinese specimen of the dark transparent Cassiterites from Ximeng that are now very uncommon. These lustrous crystals on contrasting matrix show both twinned and untwinned forms. These are a dark brown to almost golden on some edges and are prettier in person. This find was unlike any other Cassiterites found in China, being more similar to the best from Bolivia, yet still recognizably different.
Cassiterite, Aquamarine and Muscovite
stock #AX-15-161-(C273)
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.8 x 4.3 x 3.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $1100
Exceptionally lustrous and choice specimen of Cassiterite crystals clustered with light blue Beryl (Aquamarine) and set off by well crystalized Muscovite. Ex Shields Flynn collection, this is an older Mt. Xuebaoding specimen that is unlike any of the later finds and is especially esthetic in person. In excellent condition as seen, the display face is in perfect condition the only damage is on the outside edges where this was removed. The bright glassy luster of the Cassiterites is hard to capture in photos it is really brilliant in person.
The very best Yaogangxian Cassiterite I have ever seen, with the largest crystals as well. An excellent multi-specie piece mostly composed of superb Cassiterite. This locale has produced thousands of excellent mineral specimens but Cassiterite is very rare from this famed locale. Sharp lustrous crystals to almost 3 CM are arranged in a radiating cluster on a very complex matrix. I count at least 7 mineral species on this miniature, but the Cassiterite is clearly dominant and is in fine condition as well. A superb modern classic and a very important Yaoganxian specimen.
Cassiterite on Quartz
stock #AX-12-417
Amo Mine, Ximeng
Yunnan Province,
China
3.8 x3.4 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $440
Late Summer 2018
Cassiterites in gemmy crystals with brilliant luster and sharp form. The Amo mine in Ximeng county (Yunnan, China) produced a few spectacular Cassiterites. They were immediately prized and have almost disappeared. Unlike from any other location, these had a unique, recognizable style that could be very esthetic. This fine example is sharp, well formed, nicely perched on a cluster of quartz crystals that have some green inclusions as a bonus. In great condition there is contacting only on the back side not in view. In some photos what may look like damage is internal reflections inside the Cassiterites. Much better in person.
Cassiterite variety Needle Tin
stock #18.1-104
Minera Monserrat, Challapampa, Poopo Province
Oruro Department,
Bolivia
5.6 x 5.5 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $160
Spring update
A very unusual specimen from Boliva that looks like an old Cornish "needle tin". A three dimensional matrix densely covered with delicate accicular crystals of brown Cassiterite. In fine condition as seen, ex. Hitchings collection. Especially impressive under magnification, this is an uncommon habit and a well crystallized example.
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