1. A mineral form of tin oxide (SnO₂) that is the principal ore of tin.
Usage: technical; mineralogy

Examples

• Cassiterite is mined extensively in Southeast Asia for tin production.
• The geologist identified cassiterite crystals in the rock sample under the microscope.
• Cassiterite deposits are often found in granitic rocks and alluvial deposits.
• The tin industry depends heavily on cassiterite as its primary source material.
• Cassiterite has a high specific gravity, making it useful in mineral separation processes.