Archaeology Datasheet 203
Tin: smelting and production of alloys
Tin (Sn) is a soft, silvery-white metal which has been used for the production of a wide range of artefacts. Tin has occasionally been used on its own but most tin has been used in alloys with other metals. Tin is obtained by smelting suitable ores which are found in only a few parts of Europe. Until the end of the 19th century Cornwall was one of the most important sources of tin in the world.
This datasheet includes details on ore sources and smelting.