TIN

Name: Tin

Symbol: Sn

Group: 14

Period: 5

Block: p

Category: Post-transition metals

Atomic number: 50

Atomic mass: 118.71 u

Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 18, 4

Electronegativity: 1.96

Density: 7.31 g/cc

Melting point: 231.93ºC

Boiling point: 2602ºC

Thermal conductivity: 67 W (m·K)

Electrical conductivity: 9.1 × 10^6 S/m

Magnetic order: Diamagnetic

Ordinary state: Solid

Oxidation states: 4, +2, +4

Mohs hardness: 1.5

Vickers Hardness: No data

Brinell Hardness: 51 MPa

Most stable isotopes: Sn-112 (0.97%), Sn-114 (0.66%), Sn-115 (0.34%), Sn-116 (14.54%), Sn-117 (7.68%), Sn-118 (24.22%), Sn-119 (8.59%), Sn-120 (32.58%), Sn-122 (4.63%), and Sn-124 (5.79%)

Discoverer: Known since ancient times

Tin has been known since Antiquity, and its use has almost always been accompanied by that of Copper, with which it formed Bronze. It is worth noting that the first attempts to create the alloy did not always involve the use of pure Tin, but rather its mineral form (Cassiterite) was added. Therefore, the knowledge of elemental Tin itself would, in any case, be later than that of Copper, Silver, and Gold, as it almost never appears in its native form, despite being easily reducible.

Tin belongs to the family headed by Carbon (group 14 of the Periodic Table) and has a valency of 4. It is radically different from Germanium, much more similar to Lead, with the difference that in its case, it is usually found in Oxides and not in Sulfates.

The main mineral of Tin is Cassiterite (SnO2), which contains approximately 78% of the metal in its purest form.

Tin was and continues to be used both as an alloying agent with Copper (Bronzes) or Lead (low-melting point alloys), as well as a base metal (Pewter, its main alloy).

Although it can be alloyed with many elements, its main companions are Copper, Lead (increasingly less due to its toxicity), Antimony, and Bismuth.

It is the quintessential "white metal" in the sense that it has good mechanical properties (although it is not as rigid as Bronze, let alone Steel), is resistant to corrosion, non-toxic, easy to melt and mold, soft, and very easy to work with and recycle.

The history of Tin is intrinsically linked to that of Britannia, specifically to the region of Cornwall, which was already famous since the time of the Roman Empire for its abundance of this metal's minerals. These deposits were ultimately the main reason for the Empire's invasion, which colonized a large part of the island to obtain raw materials. The source of Copper was always more or less stable, as it is more abundant, but Tin was scarcer. Although not superior to Copper on its own, it was indispensable for making Bronze. So, when the reserves controlled by the Romans were exhausted, they began to expand to seek new deposits and send them back to the capital for the manufacture of armor and, to a lesser extent, weapons. Without Bronze, there were no shields or armor, and without Tin, there was no Bronze. I would like all anti-Spanish individuals to bear this in mind whenever they speak ill of the Spanish colonizers of Iberoamerica, considering that Iberia itself (present-day Spain and Portugal) was, in a similar case to Britannia (present-day United Kingdom), both colonies of Rome, with Iberia being abundant in Gold and Britannia in Tin. This does not justify foreign exploitation, but it is certainly a fact that is rarely mentioned. All for the sake of harm, right? In any case, this is not a book of politics or history, nor do I believe it will change the political agenda of educational schools in these and other lands by an iota.

It is a very soft, ductile, and malleable metal, presenting two allotropic forms: namely, metallic Tin, of a unique, silvery color but less "white" than Silver itself, easy to bend, extrude, and hammer; and crystalline Tin, of a "metalloid" nature, vaguely reminiscent of Germanium and Silicon. The transformation occurs when the temperature drops below 13.2°C, and is only possible in high-purity Tin. Crystalline Tin can be obtained in a household freezer, provided, as mentioned, that the sample for the experiment is sufficiently pure (>99.98%). Impurities of any other element prevent the transition.

In its crystalline form, Tin has the same internal crystalline structure as Diamond, Silicon, and Germanium. It is hard and brittle. Few people know about this transformation.

In any case, Tin as it is popularly known is a low-melting point metal, very compatible with other elements of the p-block with which it forms alloys (metals and metalloids) or compounds (e.g., Chalcogens). High-purity Tin is obtained by the reduction (roasting) of Cassiterite under very basic conditions: even an amateur can obtain the metal with primitive resources.

It is the element with the most stable isotopes, 11. This is because its atomic number, given by its 50 protons, is one of the so-called "magic numbers" in nuclear physics (the others being 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126, depending on the sources). This makes the element's nuclei particularly stable atoms within their category.

Tin is non-toxic and poses no major danger to humans or life in general.

It is not considered scarce, but in comparison to common base metals (Iron, Aluminum, Nickel, and Copper), it is. Unlike these, it is found more or less concentrated, so processing costs are lower. Tin appears in combination with Lead, Silver, Copper, and Zinc, among others.

Tin (Sn), chemical element with atomic number 50, is a post-transition metal of group 14, known for its softness (Mohs hardness of ~1.5), malleability, and remarkable corrosion resistance, which places it among the noblest metals of the p-block, comparable to Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn). With a density of 7.31 g/cm³ and an abundance of ~2.2 ppm in the Earth's crust, Tin is more common than metals like Indium (In) or Cadmium, which facilitates its extraction and widespread use. Its chemical stability, especially in non-aggressive environments, makes it ideal for industrial applications, particularly as a protective coating in the food industry, although its resistance is compromised against strong corrosive agents.

Tin is stable in dry and humid air at room temperature, forming a thin oxide layer of Tin oxide (SnO or SnO2) that acts as a passivating barrier, protecting the metal from further oxidation by oxygen (O2). This layer is especially effective in fresh and salt water, where Tin resists corrosion better than many metals, making it a key material for coating steel cans in the food industry. The tinning process, by electrodeposition or immersion in molten Tin (melting point of 231.93°C), creates a protective layer that prevents corrosion of the underlying steel and avoids food contamination, as Tin is non-toxic and resistant to most organic chemical agents, such as fatty acids or compounds present in preserves.

However, Tin is vulnerable to strong corrosive agents. Acids, both reducing (such as hydrochloric acid, HCl, which forms tin chloride, SnCl2) and oxidizing (such as nitric acid, HNO3, which produces SnO2 or soluble compounds), attack the metal, although reactions with reducing acids are slower. Strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), corrode Tin when hot, forming stannates like Na2SnO3. Halogens, such as chlorine (Cl2) or iodine (I2), react with Tin at various temperatures, generating halides. Despite these limitations, Tin's resistance to moderate environments, along with its low melting point and ease of application, makes it valuable for protective coatings, alloys (such as bronze, with copper, Cu), and solders. Its silvery luster, which is maintained in non-aggressive conditions, also makes it attractive in decorative applications. The combination of relative nobility, accessibility, and versatility consolidates Tin as an essential material in modern industry, especially in packaging and electronics.

The metal has been used for several millennia before Christ. In its high-purity form, it does not have many uses, as, like metals of its category, it is too weak and soft to find any moderately useful application, except, of course, when we consider its corrosion resistance, which is quite good for a non-precious or noble metal.

In high purity, it is used (and continues to be used, though increasingly less) as a coating for Steel, for its chemical protection. This process is called Tinning, and it is similar to Zinc plating, Chromium plating, and Nickel plating, although more expensive than Zinc plating but less than the latter two.

Alloyed with Lead, for the manufacture of low-melting point alloys with self-lubricating properties (Babbitt, for example). It is the cornerstone of all alloys that in English are called "White metal" (literally "White Metal"), referring to all elements that have a low melting point, are mechanically poor (though malleable), have low resistance to mechanical stress (especially at high temperatures), and are, nevertheless, very useful in cast molding applications for the manufacture of metal components that do not have mechanical responsibility, like Steel.

They are used because they present acceptable corrosion resistance in not very aggressive environments. They are durable and easily recyclable. Tin is a "friendly" metal because it is very easy to work with.

One of the most common (if not the most common) uses of Tin is the manufacture of "White Metal" alloys for soldering in electronics. It has decent electrical conductivity, and is more resistant to environmental sulfation than pure Copper. It is used, therefore, mixed with Lead to make wires that are melted with a heat gun to join electrical contacts (usually small, though they come in all sizes). It is present in any appliance repair shop.

Tinning can be used as an anti-corrosion coating in this industry. It cannot be compared to the Gold of more advanced equipment, but it performs effectively in many medium and high-quality devices.

As circuits have become increasingly complex, detailed, and small, Tin has lost prominence as a bridge element between contacts for soldering, especially considering that most equipment sold today is single-use in the sense that it is designed to be completely replaced if one of its main components breaks ("it's cheaper to buy a new TV than to fix the old one") given that circuits are increasingly delicate and complex. Nevertheless, it remains the material of preference (alloyed with Lead) when joining contacts, for example, at the power input of a device.

Tin (Sn), chemical element with atomic number 50, is a post-transition metal of group 14 that has played a significant role in the culture and folklore of various civilizations due to its use since Antiquity. With a density of 7.31 g/cm³ and an abundance of ~2.2 ppm in the Earth's crust, Tin has been valued for its malleability, corrosion resistance, and ability to form alloys, such as Bronze, which transformed technology and daily life in early eras. Beyond its practical applications, Tin acquired deep symbolism in mystical, alchemical, and astrological traditions, reflecting its importance in the worldview of numerous peoples.

In astrology, Tin is associated with the zodiacal signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, as well as with the planet Jupiter, which bears the name of the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. This connection with Jupiter, considered the ruler of the gods in Greco-Roman mythology, imbued Tin with attributes of wisdom, expansion, and good fortune, particularly in contexts related to travel and exploration. In astrological tradition, metals linked to planets were believed to channel their energies, and Tin, as the metal of Jupiter, was associated with prosperity and protection in long journeys, a reflection of the expansive influence of the god.

In alchemy, Tin held a less prominent place than noble metals like Silver (Ag) or Gold (Au), but it was not without importance. Alchemists considered it the metal of Jupiter, imbuing it with symbolic qualities related to spiritual growth, generosity, and a connection to the divine. Although not as coveted as Gold, associated with the Sun, or Silver, linked to the Moon, Tin was valued for its ability to improve other metals. The alloying of Tin with Copper (Cu), known as Bronze (typically 88% Cu and ~12% Sn), was a key technological advance in the Bronze Age (3300–1200 BCE), transforming tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. On a symbolic level, alchemists interpreted this union as a kind of "marriage" between Copper, considered a "feminine" metal associated with Venus, and Tin, a "masculine" metal of Jupiter. The resulting mixture, more resistant and durable than both metals separately, was seen as a metaphor for improvement and balance through the union of opposites.

Tin also played a cultural role in various societies. In Antiquity, its ease of extraction (often from minerals like cassiterite, SnO2) and its corrosion resistance in water and air made it a common material for vessels, coins, and decorative objects, reinforcing its presence in daily life and art. In European traditions, Tin was associated with durability and adaptability, reflected in its use in dinnerware and utensils that withstood the test of time. In some cultures, Tin objects were considered good luck charms, especially for travelers, in line with its connection to Jupiter. Although its modern production (~350,000 tons annually in 2025) focuses on industrial applications such as can coatings and solders, the folkloric legacy of Tin endures, evoking its role as a metal of wisdom, union, and prosperity in ancient traditions.