What is the chemical formula for cassiterite?

Cassiterite is the primary ore of tin and is primarily composed of tin dioxide. The chemical formula for cassiterite is SnO2, where Sn represents tin and O represents oxygen. In this compound, each tin atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, forming a tetragonal crystal system characteristic of cassiterite. This mineral is significant in the extraction of tin metal, making its identification by its chemical formula important in mineralogy and materials science.

The other options listed represent different compounds; for example, SnS2 is tin(IV) sulfide, SnCl4 is tin(IV) chloride, and Sn(OH)4 is tin(IV) hydroxide. While these compounds contain tin, none represent the mineral cassiterite, which is specifically identified by the formula SnO2 due to its distinct composition and properties. Knowing the correct formula is crucial for understanding both the chemistry and the practical applications related to tin.