Tin(IV) oxide, also known as stannic oxide, is the inorganic compound with the formula SnO2. The mineral form of SnO2 is called cassiterite, and this is the main ore of tin. With many other names, this oxide of tin is an important material in tin chemistry. It is a colourless, diamagnetic, amphoteric solid.
Tin (IV) oxide fibers (optical microscope)
Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral, SnO2. It is generally opaque, but it is translucent in thin crystals. Its luster and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite was the chief tin ore throughout ancient history and remains the most important source of tin today.
Cassiterite bipyramids, edge length ca. 30 mm, Sichuan, China
Close up of cassiterite crystals, Blue Tier tinfield, Tasmania, Australia
Stalactitic-botryoidal, banded, "wood tin" cassiterite, 5.0 × 4.9 × 3.3 cm, Durango, Mexico