By Chisom Ibemere
Cassiterite, a tin oxide mineral is basically Opaque but can be transparent in the crystals. It is known as the chief tin ore and is the most important source of tin today.
Cassiterite can be found in rocks like the granite, rhyolite, granite pegmatite, hydrothermal veins and metamorphic deposits. They are also associated with some minerals like the tourmaline, wolframite, scheelite, flourite, bismuth, topaz and in quartz.
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Cassiterite is a rare gem. It is usually transparent, free of fractures, colourful with a high clarity which makes it gem quality cassiterites.
In the 15th century, Cassiterite veins were mined for tin in Saxony and Bohemia and the peak production of cassiterite occured in the 17th century.
Most of the world’s largest Cassiterites are mined across Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand etc. Cassiterites are found in Bukuru, Plateau State.
Cassiterites as the primary source of tin metal can be used as plates, containers, solders and also in polishing compounds and in alloys.
