cassiterite

noun cas·sit·er·ite \ kə-ˈsi-tə-ˌrīt \

Definition of cassiterite

: a brown or black mineral that consists of tin dioxide and is the chief source of metallic tin — called also tinstone

Recent Examples of cassiterite from the Web

Rwanda’s current-account deficit widened last year as shipment earnings from minerals such as cassiterite, which make up 14 percent of total exports, dropped 27 percent because of lower global commodities prices.

— saul butera, Bloomberg.com, "Rwanda Uses Gorilla Tactics to Help Shore Up Balance of Payments," 10 May 2017
Congo is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil, timber, copper, hydropower, cassiterite for tin ore, uranium for nuclear bombs and cobalt for cellphones.

— jeffrey gettleman, New York Times, "Pact Would Force Out Joseph Kabila From Congo. If, of Course, He Agrees.," 3 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cassiterite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.