cassiterite

[ kuh-sit-uh-rahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

cassiterite

/ kəˈsɪtəˌraɪt /

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

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

C19: from Greek kassiteros tin

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

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

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

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

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

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse