50
Atomic number
Tin is element 50 on the periodic table. Its chemical symbol is Sn, from the Latin stannum.
Source: NIST Chemistry WebBook ↗Reviewed September 14, 2026Reference guide
Pewter and Tin Facts
Clear, citable material facts for writers, collectors, students, and anyone curious about the metal behind pewter objects.
Last updated September 14, 2026. Sources are linked beside every fact.
What this covers
A practical starting point for understanding pewter.
Pewter is an alloy, while tin is the chemical element at its core. This page separates the durable facts about tin from the many individual choices that go into a finished pewter object, including alloy recipe, casting method, finish, and form.
Hugo De Sánchez works in lead-free pewter, shaping original sculptures into functional pieces for the table, shelf, desk, and everyday rituals of home.
By the numbers
Seven facts worth keeping close.
118.710
Standard atomic weight
The Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights lists tin at 118.710 on the standard atomic-weight scale.
Source: CIAAW, IUPAC ↗Current reference, reviewed September 14, 2026505.15 K
Melting point
NIST lists a fusion temperature for tin of 505.15 kelvin, or about 232 degrees Celsius, a useful reference when discussing casting and alloy work.
Source: NIST Chemistry WebBook ↗NIST phase-change data, reviewed September 14, 202610
Stable isotopes
Tin has ten stable isotopes, the most of any element with stable isotopes, according to the IUPAC isotope-abundance reference.
Source: CIAAW, IUPAC ↗Current reference, reviewed September 14, 20267440-31-5
CAS Registry Number
The NIST Chemistry WebBook identifies elemental tin with CAS Registry Number 7440-31-5, a useful identifier when checking a technical source or material record.
Source: NIST Chemistry WebBook ↗Reviewed September 14, 2026119.902 194 7
Monoisotopic molecular weight
NIST lists the monoisotopic molecular weight of tin as 119.902 194 7 atomic mass units, a precise value used in chemical and materials references.
Source: NIST Chemistry WebBook ↗Reviewed September 14, 20260
U.S. tin mine production in 2025
The U.S. Geological Survey reported no domestic mine production of tin in 2025, a reminder that the metal has a globally connected supply chain.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey ↗2026 Mineral Commodity Summaries, reviewed September 14, 2026A note on pewter
Elemental facts are not a substitute for an object’s own story.
Those numbers describe tin, not a single universal pewter formula. Pewter is an alloy, and its exact composition, feel, finish, and intended use can vary from maker to maker. For a specific piece, its product description is the right place to look for material and care details.
Read the pewter care guide →Method and sources
Built for reliable citation.
This reference uses primary scientific and government sources where available. Each fact is linked to the specific source used, with the source date or review date shown alongside it. The page is reviewed roughly monthly, or sooner when a core source releases a material update.
Suggested citation: “Pewter and Tin Facts: A Reference Guide,” Functional Art Designs by Hugo De Sánchez, updated September 14, 2026, https://hugodesanchezdesigns.com/pewter-facts.