The name Wolframite is derived from the German “wolfram”, meaning tungsten. “Wolfram” is also the basis for the symbol W for tungsten as a chemical element. Along with scheelite, wolframite is the most important tungsten ore mineral. Wolframite deposits are often found with cassiterite, a tin ore, and occasionally with coltan, a tantalum ore. Tungsten … Read More
The name Cassiterite is derived from the Greek “kassiteros”, meaning tin. Cassiterite (tin oxide, SnO2) is the best-known and principle tin ore. Tin (cassiterite) is currently classified as a conflict mineral along with tantalum (coltan), tungsten (wolramite) and gold. These 3T minerals, not including gold, are often found together in the same … Read More
The name Coltan is derived from columbite–tantalite, known industrially as tantalite, with tantalum (Ta) as the principle chemical element. Tantalum (coltan) is currently classified as a conflict mineral along with tin (cassiterite), tungsten (wolramite) and gold. Previously known as tantalium, its name comes from Tantalus, a hero from Greek mythology. In the story, Tantalus had … Read More