cassiterite

[ kuh-sit-uh-rahyt ]

noun

1. a brown or black mineral, tin dioxide, SnO 2 , that crystallizes in the tetragonal system; tinstone: the principal ore of tin.

cassiterite

/ kəˈsɪtəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a black or brown mineral, found in igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins. It is a source of tin. Composition: tin oxide. Formula: SnO 2 . Crystal structure: tetragonal Also calledtinstone

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassiterite¹

1855–60; < Greek kassíter ( os ) tin + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassiterite¹

C19: from Greek kassiteros tin

Example Sentences

Cassiterite, the principal tin ore, would have to be roasted.

From Project Gutenberg

Those minerals which have a specific gravity approaching that of the cassiterite are not completely removed.

From Project Gutenberg

In certain exceptional cases this may contain some unaltered cassiterite, which is easily recognised by its appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

Two grams of a mixture of silica and cassiterite left, after reduction in hydrogen, 1.78 grams.

From Project Gutenberg

The crystals occurred in association with topaz, fluorspar and cassiterite; but they were mostly of rather pale colour.

From Project Gutenberg