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