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