Tins

Tin is a chemical element with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50. It is a soft, malleable post-transition metal known for its relatively low melting point of 231.9 degrees Celsius. In nature it is found mainly as the ore cassiterite (tin oxide). Tin forms a protective oxide layer that gives it corrosion resistance. At room temperature tin exists as white tin (beta tin); at temperatures below about 13.2 degrees Celsius it can transform into gray tin (alpha tin), which is brittle.

Tin has been used since ancient times, notably in the Bronze Age when tin was alloyed with copper to produce bronze. Historically, important tin deposits came from Britain’s Cornwall and from other regions. Today major producers include China, Indonesia, Peru, and Bolivia, with mining and refining occurring in various parts of the world. Tin is extracted from cassiterite through smelting and refining processes.

The most widespread use of tin is as a coating for steel to produce tinplate, used for food and beverage cans. The term tin can refers to cans made of tin-coated steel. Tin is also an essential component of solder, especially tin–lead solders in the past and lead-free solders today. Tin alloys include bronze (copper–tin) and pewter. Tin is used in coatings, electronics, catalysts, and as a corrosion-resistant plating material.

Tin is typically recycled from scrap, especially from used cans. While tin is considered relatively non-toxic, mining practices for tin ore have environmental and social impacts in some regions. Demand for tin continues with electronics manufacturing and packaging.