metal report: tin

Tin: Sn 

• Atomic number- 50 
• Atomic weight- 118.69
• Melting point-231.93 C 
• Boiling point- 2602 C

• The symbol for tin (sn) derives from the latin word for tin, stannum
• Archeological evidence suggests that people have been using tin for at least 5500 years
• Tin makes up only about 0.001% of the earth's crust and is chiefly mined in China
• Tin is often used as a protective coating on other metals, like a tin can, because of it's high resistance to corrosion 
• Tin alloys are used mainly as a solder for joining pipes and electrical circuits. Tin foil was also once a common wrapping material for foods, but has now been replaced by aluminum foil
• When tin is cooled below 13.2 C, it slowly changes from white to grey 
• Tin very rarely occurs free in nature 
• Organic tin bonds are dangerous to humans and can lead to tin poisoning. However, tin as single atoms are not toxic to humans or the environment 
• When a bar of tin is bent, a crackling sound known as the tin cry can be heard due to the duplication of crystals
• Cost of pure tin- $24 per 100 g 
• Cost of bulk tin- $1.80 per 100 g 

Properties of tin

Malleability and ductility	High
Electrical conductivity	Relatively low
Thermal conductivity	Relatively low
Chemical reactivity	Relatively low
Resistance to corrosion	Low in acids, high in distilled or tap water Presence of oxygen in a solution accelerates corrosion
Useful alloys formed	Pewter, solder, fusible metal
Color and luster	Silvery white, shiny

World tin mine reserves

Country	Reserves
China	1,700,000
Malaysia	1,000,000
Indonesia	800,000
Peru	710,000
Brazil	540,000
Bolivia	450,000
Russia	300,000
Thailand	170,000
Australia	150,000
Other	180,000