On the Geochemistry of Cassiterite

The 21^st Century is seeing an increased demand in the critical metals Li, Nb, Ta, W and In. Cassiterite (SnO₂) is a common link between the mineral systems in which these metals accumulate, and provides a detailed record of the physicochemical mineralisation history, contained within the geochemical variation between complex primary and secondary growth structures. This thesis provides an interpretation framework through Hyperspectral Cathodoluminescence and Quantitative X-ray element mapping, Electron Probe Microanalysis, and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. These data are then compared with theoretical constraints provided via stoichiometric analysis, Lattice Strain Modelling and other thermodynamic considerations.