USGS MRP Coloring Page Cassiterite

USGS Mineral Resources Program coloring page for cassiterite and the critical mineral tin.

The mineral cassiterite, chemical formula SnO₂, is the most important mineral source for the critical mineral tin. Fun facts: tin is one of the earliest metals used by humans! The chemical symbol for tin, Sn, comes from its Latin name, stannum.

Tin is used for food and beverage cans, circuit board parts for touch screens, and solder for electrical wire. Bronze is made when tin is mixed with copper.

Pictured is a sample of cassiterite crystals (light gray) with quartz crystals.

For more information:

[1] Tin Statistics and Information | U.S. Geological Survey

[2] About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals | U.S. Geological Survey

[3] mcs2025.pdf - Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025