Cassiterite crystals are rarely found large enough to produce cutting quality gemstones. Most sources of cassiterite today are found in alluvial deposits. Once found in Cornwall, England (the mines are now exhausted) the best source today are the tin mines of Bolivia, where it is found in hydrothermal veins. The present lot includes three stones of various shapes: a triangular-shape brown cassiterite, weighing approximately 7.94 carats and measuring 8.8 x 8.9 x 6.2mm; together with two other cassiterites, a circular-cut, weighing approximately 9.20 carats and measuring 9.8 x 7.03mm and a tan colored, oval-cut, weighing approximately 10.29 carats and measuring 13.17 x 10.08 x 7.45mm. (3)
Cassiterite crystals are rarely found large enough to produce cutting quality gemstones. Most sources of cassiterite today are found in alluvial deposits. Once found in Cornwall, England (the mines are now exhausted) the best source today are the tin mines of Bolivia, where it is found in hydrothermal veins. The present lot includes three stones of various shapes: a triangular-shape brown cassiterite, weighing approximately 7.94 carats and measuring 8.8 x 8.9 x 6.2mm; together with two other cassiterites, a circular-cut, weighing approximately 9.20 carats and measuring 9.8 x 7.03mm and a tan colored, oval-cut, weighing approximately 10.29 carats and measuring 13.17 x 10.08 x 7.45mm. (3)
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
