Tin (Sn, from Latin stannum, for “silver lead”) is a dense but soft metal with similar properties to lead. It was previosly used extensively for cans, but has since been replaced by aluminum. It is used in solder, but can also be found pure as a fishing line sinker alternative to lead.

Tin can be isolated from lead-free solder through electrolysis in a hydrochloric acid solution. Use a glass casserole dish and add half water and half hydrochloric acid. Bend a spoon over one end of the dish with the handle on the outside, connected to the tive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other terminal to the solder and submerse it in the solution without the connection to the battery being submerged. The tin should immediately begin crystallising on the spoon.