Explanation

A simple chain like oxide mineral with the chemical formula SnO2. Usually contains elements such as Fe, Nb, Ta, etc. mixed in. This mineral belongs to tetragonal system, showing a rutile structure. Its crystal morphology can be biconical, cone columnar, needle shaped, and the aggregate is granular. The formation of this mineral can be a fibrous substance formed by colloids, in the form of grapes or bell milk, usually with a concentric band structure. Under the condition of hydrothermal metasolid, it may take on the form of cryptocrystalline compact block, while on the (011) crystal plane, elbow twin will be formed. This mineral usually appears colorless, but there are also rare colorless samples. Generally, due to the presence of Fe, Nb, Ta and other elements, its color will be yellowish brown, dark brown or even black. When a high amount of Nb and Ta is contained, it may be pitch black. The stripe color is usually white to light yellow brown. This mineral exhibits a diamond luster, with a greasy luster on its fracture surface, exhibiting properties ranging from semi transparent to opaque. The fracture is uneven to sub shell like. Mohs hardness ranges from 6 to 7, and density ranges from 6.8 to 7g/cm 3。 This mineral usually shows brittleness and generally does not have magnetism, but iron rich samples may show electromagnetism. This mineral is usually generated in greisenized granite and hydrothermal tin deposits, and coexists with other minerals such as topaz, tourmaline, wolframite, molybdenite, beryl, quartze, etc. It can also be found in placer ores and is usually the main raw mineral material for extracting tin. In addition, it can also be used as a paint cleaner and coating remover.

Classification