The specimen is solid Cassiterite with several pseudo-octahedral dark brown crystals to 8mm. Cassiterite is the main ore of tin and contains up to 79% tin. Historically tin was used in tinplates for tin cans and in bronze, which contained about 9% tin. Modern uses of tin include electroplating steel, bronze wire and cable, bearings and bushings, gears, and screws since it is resistant to corrosion. It is non-toxic and thus used in food-processing equipment.
Llallagua is an important producer of tin ore, with moderate temperature sulfide veins containing Bi-Pb-Ag sulfide.
