Cassiterite Crystals Twinned

Description

Size: 2 inches x 1.5 inch x 1 inch
Prospected from historic lithium mine in the Battleground Formation, NC (Late Proterozoic), a Pre-Cambrian
metavolcanic
area known for garnet
and staurolite that occur locally. Formed in pyroclastic flows,
the Kings Mountain region contains rich lithium deposits in pegmatite containing the minerals spodumene and cassiterite (with a high tin content).
Tetragonal crystal cube developed a rectangular prism with a square base.
The mineral name is derived from the term "Cassiterides" which was applied 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.
The primary ore of Tin. The crystal form is rare.
Weight: 101 grams or 3.55 ounces.