Cassiterite sand from Plateau State, Nigeria, Africa. Placer-mined tin is often called "stream tin." These are silt- to sand-size particles of cassiterite.

What is Cassiterite?

Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral with a chemical composition of SnO2. It is the most important source of tin, and most of the world’s supply of tin is obtained by mining cassiterite. Small amounts of primary cassiterite are found in igneous and metamorphic rocks throughout the world. It is also a residual mineral found in soils and sediments. Cassiterite is more resistant to weathering than many other minerals, and that causes it to be concentrated in stream and shoreline sediments. Although cassiterite is the most important ore of tin, it has only been found in minable concentrations in a few locations.

Physical Properties of Cassiterite

Chemical ClassificationOxide

ColorReddish brown, to brown to black

StreakA trace of white to no streak at all. It is often harder than the streak plate.

LusterAdamantine, splendent to submetallic

DiaphaneityOpaque to translucent

CleavageImperfect

Mohs Hardness6 to 7

Specific Gravity6.8 to 7.1

Diagnostic PropertiesHigh specific gravity, bright metallic to adamantine luster, light streak, fibrous appearance

Chemical CompositionTin oxide, SnO2

Crystal SystemTetragonal

UsesAn ore of tin, a collector’s gem, mineral specimens

Physical Properties of Cassiterite

Cassiterite has several properties that aid in its identification and enable it to be found in minable quantities. Its adamantine luster, high hardness, light streak, and high specific gravity are helpful in its identification. Its high specific gravity, resistance to weathering and physical durability enable it to survive stream transport and concentrate in placer deposits.

Cassiterite from near Keystone, South Dakota. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Geologic Occurrence of Cassiterite

Primary deposits of cassiterite worth mining are almost always found in high-temperature hydrothermal veins that accompany granitic intrusions. There, cassiterite can be associated with tourmaline, topaz, fluorite, and apatite. Important deposits of primary cassiterite are found in Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, England, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Spain, and the countries of Southeast Asia.

Particles of cassiterite from a placer deposit near Tinton, South Dakota. Specimens are approximately 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch (0.3 centimeter to 0.95 centimeter) across.

Cassiterite crystals: A cluster of cassiterite crystals from Yunnan Province, China. These crystals show the potential luster of cassiterite.

Most of the world’s cassiterite is produced from secondary, placer deposits. These are sediment-hosted concentrations of cassiterite in stream valleys and along shorelines. The hardness of cassiterite enables it to survive stream transport, and its high specific gravity causes it to concentrate in deposits that are large enough and rich enough for mining. Other high-specific-gravity minerals might also occur in these deposits, improving the economy of mining. Placer deposits of cassiterite are being worked today in Burma, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

The United States does not have any important domestic sources of cassiterite or other tin minerals and is dependent upon other countries. There are deposits in Alaska, South Dakota and other states, but these deposits are either small, low grade, or in locations where development will be difficult.

Cassiterite gem: Cassiterite is extremely rare as a transparent, gem-quality mineral. This 9 x 11 step cushion cut gem has a rich brown color and adamantine luster.

Cassiterite as a Gemstone

Gem-quality cassiterite is very rare. To be suitable for cutting faceted gems cassiterite must be transparent, free of fractures, be of high clarity and have an attractive color. When cut properly, cassiterite can be a beautiful gemstone. It is known to occur in brown, yellow, orange, red and green. Some stones have a strong fire that rivals the fire of diamond. [1]

You will probably not find cassiterite in a jewelry store. Very few people have even heard the name "cassiterite." As a result there is almost no demand for it. It is also so rare that adequate amounts to support a marketing campaign are not available. As a result, cassiterite is cut mainly for collectors and museum exhibits.

Cassiterite Information

[1] Photographs of Faceted Cassiterite, a photo gallery on the website of RealGems.com, accessed September 2017.