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| caption = Cassiterite with [[muscovite]], from Xuebaoding, Huya, Pingwu, Mianyang, Sichuan, China (size: 100 x 95 mm, 1128 g)
| formula = SnO<sub>2</sub>
| IMAsymbol=Cst<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Warr|first=L.N.|date=2021|title=IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols|journal=Mineralogical Magazine|volume=85|issue=3|pages=291–320|doi=10.1180/mgm.2021.43|bibcode=2021MinM...85..291W|s2cid=235729616|doi-access=free}}</ref>
| molweight =
| strunz = 4.DB.05
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| diaphaneity = Transparent when light colored, dark material nearly opaque; commonly zoned
| other =
| references = <ref>[https://www.mineralienatlas.de/lexikon/index.php/MineralData?mineral=Cassiterite Mineralienatlas]</ref><ref name=Handbook>
}}
'''Cassiterite''' is a [[tin]] [[oxide mineral]], [[tin dioxide|SnO<sub>2</sub>]]. It is generally [[Opacity (optics)|opaque]], but it is translucent in thin crystals. Its [[Lustre (mineralogy)|luster]] and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite was the chief tin [[ore]] throughout [[Tin sources and trade in ancient times|ancient history]] and remains the most important source of tin today.
==Occurrence==
[[File:Cassiterite.jpg|thumb|left|Cassiterite [[bipyramids]], edge length
[[Image:Cassiterite - Blue Tier tinfield, Tasmania, Australia.jpg|thumb|left|Close up of cassiterite crystals, Blue Tier tinfield, [[Tasmania]], Australia]]▼
Most sources of cassiterite today are found in [[alluvium|alluvial]] or [[placer mining|placer]] deposits containing the resistant weathered grains. The best sources of primary cassiterite are found in the tin mines of [[Bolivia]], where it is found in [[hydrothermal]] veins. [[Rwanda]] has a nascent cassiterite mining industry. Fighting over cassiterite deposits (particularly in [[Walikale]]) is a major cause of the conflict waged in eastern parts of the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/01/2061627-mining-for-minerals-fuels-congo-conflict|title=Mining for minerals fuels Congo conflict |last=Watt |first=Louise |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=2008-11-01 |access-date=2009-09-03|work=Yahoo News! |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Inc]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news▼
▲Most sources of cassiterite today are found in [[alluvium|alluvial]] or [[placer mining|placer]] deposits containing the weathering-resistant
| last = Polgreen
| first = Lydia
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| access-date = 2008-11-16}}</ref> This has led to cassiterite being considered a [[conflict mineral]].
Cassiterite is a widespread minor constituent of [[igneous rocks]]. The Bolivian veins and the
==Crystallography==
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Cassiterite is also used as a [[gemstone]] and collector specimens when quality crystals are found.
[[File:Cassiterite-43265.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Stalactitic-botryoidal, banded, "wood tin" cassiterite, {{cvt|5.0
▲[[Image:Cassiterite - Blue Tier tinfield, Tasmania, Australia.jpg|thumb|Close up of cassiterite crystals, Blue Tier tinfield, [[Tasmania]], Australia]]
==Etymology==
The name derives from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''kassiteros'' for "tin": this comes from the [[Phoenician languages|Phoenician]] word ''Cassiterid'' referring to the islands of [[Ireland]] and [[Great Britain]],{{
{{clear}}
== Use ==
It may be primary used as a raw material for [[tin]] extraction and smelting.
==References==
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