| Tin is obtained from a mineral called | | | | properties of tin is that it mixes quite well |
| cassiterite which is mined in Brazil, | | | | with other metals forming alloys. This alloy |
| Bolivia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Peru. | | | | forming quality and low meting point makes |
| The Cornish mines in Britain were almost | | | | tin a valuable resource. Tin is non-toxic |
| wiped during the price collapse in 1985. | | | | and does not corrode and there fore it makes |
| Cassiterite is basically tin oxide and needs | | | | the ideal finishing coat for steel cans used |
| to be smelted before use.The cassiterite is | | | | to store food and drinks. This is how the |
| smelted into metal by reducing it with carbon | | | | tin can is made.Pewter is a popular tin alloy |
| in a big furnace called the reverbratory | | | | used by craftsmen to create artistic designs |
| furnace in temperatures in excess of 1200 | | | | used in household decorations. The shiny |
| degrees Celsius. The reverbratory furnace is | | | | surface of pewter lends a certain charm to |
| a special furnace that isolates the tin oxide | | | | decorations and the ease of shaping this tin |
| being smelted from the fuel that is powering | | | | alloy allows many an artist to express their |
| the furnace. The hot gases that result from | | | | creative freedom. The fact that pewter will |
| the burning of the fuel are the ones that are | | | | not rust or corrode ensures a long life for |
| acting on the tin oxide.The challenge in | | | | works of art.Bronze is also an alloy of tin |
| smelting casserite is that it is usually | | | | composed of tin and copper. Bronze metal |
| mined with other minerals mixed in it. | | | | were used by the ancient Roman army to forge |
| Therefore, it is necessary to refine the tin | | | | their protective body armor and spear tips. |
| to make it commercially viable. Refining the | | | | Higher grade tin bronzes are also used to |
| tin in a furnace involves various procedures | | | | make bells.Another alloy of tin that is very |
| before pure tin can be produced. For | | | | important today is the solder. Solders are |
| example, iron is removed from the molten tin | | | | used in electronics to create connections |
| by passing steam through it. Tin that are | | | | between microchips and the printed circuit |
| very impure can be refined using electrolysis | | | | boards that they sit on.Want to learn more |
| to reach a pure level.One of the main | | | | about Tin? |