Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral, SnO₂. It is generally opaque, but it is translucent in thin crystals. Its luster and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite has been the chief tin ore throughout ancient history and remains the most important source of tin today.
Crystal system: Tetragonal crystal system
Crystal class: Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm); H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m)
Optical properties: Uniaxial (+)
Mohs scale hardness: 6–7
Unit cell: a = 4.7382(4) Å, c = 3.1871(1) Å; Z = 2
Did you know: Cassiterite sometimes is used as a minor gemstone, but mostly for the collectors of minerals.
Crystal system: Tetragonal crystal system
Crystal class: Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm); H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m)
Optical properties: Uniaxial (+)
Mohs scale hardness: 6–7
Unit cell: a = 4.7382(4) Å, c = 3.1871(1) Å; Z = 2
Did you know: Cassiterite sometimes is used as a minor gemstone, but mostly for the collectors of minerals.
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