About Cassiterite

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Keep reading to discover more about cassiterite

  • Mineralogy and geology*
  • Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
  • Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Cassiterite

Mineral formula: SnO2

Mineral group: member of the Rutile group

Crystal system: tetragonal

Crystal habit: Fibrous, botryoidal crusts or concretionary masses. Granular, coarse to fine.

Cleavage: {100} imperfect, {110} indistinct.

Fracture: irregular / uneven, sub-conchoidal

Color: black, yellow, brown, red or white

Luster: adamantine, greasy, sub-metallic

Diaphaneity: transparent, translucent or opaque

Moh’s scale hardness: 6 - 7

Streak: brownish white, white, or grayish

Specific gravity: 6.98 – 7.01

Named after: the term “Cassiterides” referring to 'islands off the western coast of Europe' in pre-Roman times (the exact location of these 'islands' has been hotly debated over the years, current thought is that the source was probably mainland Spain and that even 2000 years ago, traders had a habit of providing misleading locality information to protect their sources).

Geological occurrence: The primary ore of tin, this mineral is found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites associated with granite intrusions. Because of its durability, it is also frequently found concentrated in alluvial placer deposits, sometimes in large enough quantities to be commercially exploitable, as in Malaysia, for example.

Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

Cassiterite is known for its use in grounding (black), energy stimulation (red), and intellect actuation (yellow). It is also known as a stone of protection. It helps to eliminate feelings of separation and bias, dispelling feelings of rejection and disapproval and encouraging optimism.

Common Associations

  • Chakra – depends on color. Yellow varieties link to the solar plexus chakra, red and black to the root chakra.
  • Numerology – vibrates to the numbers 2 and 8.
  • Zodiac – Sagittarius
  • Birthstone – no traditional associations
  • Wedding Anniversary – tin is a traditional gift for the 10th

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* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.