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Twinned Cassiterite on Muscovite – Pingwu Beryl Mine, Mount Xuebaoding, China
A substantial and highly distinctive cabinet specimen featuring multiple lustrous black cassiterite crystals prominently positioned across a dense matrix of silvery champagne-coloured muscovite mica.
The cassiterite displays the short, strongly developed tetragonal form and complex twinned growth associated with classic material from Mount Xuebaoding. Its glossy black crystal faces and pronounced growth textures contrast beautifully against hundreds of overlapping muscovite blades.
Several exposed cassiterite crystals can be seen from different viewing angles, including a prominent chunky crystal group at the front and additional crystals emerging higher across the matrix. The muscovite forms a naturally sculptural landscape of layered blades, rosettes and radiating aggregates, giving the specimen considerable depth and visual movement.
The specimen was acquired in China as part of a parcel containing aquamarine, quartz and muscovite material from Mount Xuebaoding. Its mineral association, cassiterite crystal habit and distinctive muscovite matrix are strongly consistent with specimens from the Huya Deposit, commonly known as the Pingwu Beryl Mine.
Mount Xuebaoding is internationally recognised for producing exceptional aquamarine, scheelite and cassiterite specimens in association with lustrous muscovite. Cassiterite from this locality is especially prized for its sharp black twinned crystals and dramatic contrast against pale mica.
Measuring approximately 12.5 cm, this is an impressive large-cabinet specimen with strong locality interest, attractive natural architecture and excellent display presence. A fascinating example of crystallised cassiterite—tin oxide—from one of China’s most celebrated mineral deposits.
Specimen details
- Primary mineral: Cassiterite
- Associated mineral: Muscovite mica
- Crystal habit: Twinned and complex tetragonal growth
- Locality: Huya Deposit (Pingwu Beryl Mine)
- Mining district: Mount Xuebaoding
- County: Pingwu County
- Prefecture: Mianyang
- Province: Sichuan
- Country: China
- Dimensions: Approximately 125 × 100 × 65 mm
- Size category: Large cabinet
- Weight: To be added
- Formation: Completely natural
- Treatment: No known treatment or polishing
- Condition: Natural contacts and minor imperfections may be present; please study all photographs carefully
Collector significance
Cassiterite is the principal ore of tin, but sharply crystallised display specimens are far less common than massive ore material. Xuebaoding examples are sought after for their black lustrous twins, complex crystal geometry and association with silvery muscovite.
The generous size of this matrix and the presence of several visible cassiterite crystals give it stronger display appeal than smaller specimens centred around a single isolated crystal.
