Cassiterite Crystal Specimen, Xuebaoding Mountain, China

Cassiterite (SnO₂) is the primary ore of tin and one of the most sought-after collector minerals from China’s famous Xuebaoding Mountain in Pingwu, Sichuan Province. This impressive 425g specimen showcases the exceptional clarity and rich natural features that have made Xuebaoding cassiterite legendary among mineral collectors worldwide. The crystal displays well-developed faces with good luster and a degree of translucence that is uncommon for the species, making it a standout example of Chinese cassiterite at its finest.

Cassiterite crystallizes in the tetragonal system and is prized for its adamantine (diamond-like) luster, high specific gravity (6.8–7.1), and hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale. Xuebaoding Mountain is renowned as one of the world’s premier localities for gem-quality cassiterite, producing transparent to translucent crystals with exceptional brilliance. The alpine-type fissure deposits at Xuebaoding have yielded some of the finest cassiterite specimens ever found, alongside world-class scheelite and aquamarine.

This specimen measures approximately 2.8 × 2.2 × 3.0 cm and weighs 425 grams. The well-terminated crystal form, combined with good transparency and rich adamantine luster, makes this an impressive display piece for any serious mineral collection. Cassiterite from Xuebaoding is increasingly difficult to obtain as mining activity has declined, adding long-term collectibility and value to quality specimens like this one.

Ideal for collectors of Chinese minerals, rare species, or anyone building a comprehensive mineral collection. This specimen ships with careful packaging and a specimen identification card.

Xuebaoding, Mt Pingwu, Sichuan, China — source of cassiterite, scheelite, and beryl on muscovite matrix.