Cassiterite

The top surface of a dense, iron-stained milky Quartz veinstone matrix is richly covered in large and lustrous Cassiterite crystals ranging from 6 mm to 1 cm across.  All the Cassiterite crystals have well developed euhedral faces, although few crystals show a complete all-round form due to being partially embedded in the matrix.  The Cassiterite is a metallic black, but where light is transmitted through the edges and certain crystal faces the colour is revealed as the true golden-clove brown.  This fine specimen is from Cornwall, but its precise location remains unknown.  It is typical of the St. Agnes mining district, but the uncertainty is sufficient as to not label it as this.  Nonetheless, a beautiful Cornish Cassiterite, very worthy of display!