Tin (Sn)

Tin (Sn)

Tin is also called stannum and has been known since ancient times. Found chiefly in the cassiterite ore, tin is obtained by processing the ore with coal in a reverberatory furnace.

Ordinary tin is a silver-white, malleable metal that is somewhat ductile and highly crystalline. The distortion of the crystals causes an audible 'cry' when a piece of tin is bent. Tin comprises nine stable isotopes, and 18 more unstable isotopes are known.

Tin can be highly polished and is used as a corrosion-preventive coating for other metals. Soft solder, type metal, fusible metal, pewter, bronze, bell metal, Babbitt metal, white metal, die casting alloy, and phosphor bronze are some important alloys that use tin.