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Cassiterite
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<p>Cassiterite is a <a href="/facts/Tin/vxbbBgNz">tin</a> <a href="/facts/Oxide_mineral/B4ajLX61">oxide mineral</a>, <a href="/facts/Tin_dioxide/tLGukNFB">SnO2</a>. It is generally <a href="/facts/Opacity_(optics)/l90q0sAV">opaque</a>, but it is translucent in thin crystals. Its <a href="/facts/Lustre_(mineralogy)/TCobwMGC">luster</a> and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite was the chief tin <a href="/facts/Ore/kgc9DssX">ore</a> throughout <a href="/facts/Tin_sources_and_trade_in_ancient_times/0aaxuhks">ancient history</a> and remains the most important source of tin today. </p>