A tin coating may also be applied by electroplating, which uses less tin. The tin serves to prevent rusting, since it is barely affected by moisture. The tin plate used in tin cans is an iron or steel sheet coated with tin. A tin coating is used to protect copper and other metals. Tin is a component of antifriction metal, bell metal, britannia metal, bronze, gunmetal, pewter, solder, and other alloys.
Stannous fluoride is added to toothpastes and water supplies to prevent tooth decay.
Tin forms a number of toxic organometallic compounds that are used as fungicides, catalysts, and for other uses. The tin mines of Cornwall, England, were formerly the principal source. The metal is prepared from cassiterite by heating in the reverberatory furnace. Tin was known and used by man at least as early as the Bronze Age. The metal and its compounds were known and used by the alchemists.