You can't make true bronze without tin! During the Bronze Age, a common alloy ratio was 90% copper to 10% tin (with some variation). But why does that 10% of a soft metal with a low melting point make all the difference? Its because both copper and tin have a regular atomic lattice, which means they can deform easily. When combined, their atoms of different sizes can't move across each other as easily, resulting in a harder material: bronze. This tin ore, also known as cassiterite comes from Cornwall.
Mixture of ore supplied in a bag.
