Tin (Sn) isotope is a non- traditional stable isotope. Its application in archaeology and astrochemistry shows great tracing potential and value. However, a systematic overview of its research and application prospects in geology (especially economic geology) is not available. In this paper, the Sn isotopic data of the main natural and artificial samples published in the world are summarized and analyzed. It is found that there are great differences in the Sn isotopic composition of natural samples, among which the glassy meteorite is the richest in heavy tin (δ122/118 Sn value can reach at 2. 53‰), and the tetrahedrite is the richest in light tin (δ120/116 Sn value can reach at -1. 71‰). Among them, the variation range of Sn isotopic composition of tin- bearing minerals (such as cassiterite and tetrahedrite) is much larger than that of whole rock samples. The Sn isotopic compositions of whole rocks are obviously different in different lithologies or geological bodies from the mantle and crust. Under certain conditions, Sn isotope can be fractionated, and the degree of fractionation may be much greater than the difference of its initial value. The Sn isotope of cassiterite is very sensitive to metallogenic environment. The fluid composition, chemical reaction rate and physicochemical conditions (such as temperature, salinity, oxygen fugacity, pH value, etc.) may affect the Sn isotope composition of cassiterite. Cassiterite crystallized by deep fluid (such as magma source) is rich in heavy tin, while cassiterite crystallized by shallow fluid (such as formation fluid) is rich in light tin. Therefore, the Sn isotope of cassiterite has the potential to distinguish the genetic types of different deposits. Looking forward to the future, the research on Sn isotope is expected to make breakthroughs in the following aspects: ① accurate determination of tin isotope reservoir data in various spheres; ② accurate and rapid analysis of tin isotope in in- situ micro- area of Sn- bearing minerals; ③ mechanism establishing of Sn isotope fractionation in hydrothermal deposits. By focusing on the changes of Sn isotope composition of tin- bearing minerals during magmatic- hydrothermal evolution, it is expected to reveal the properties and physical and chemical environment of tin- bearing fluids. Also, the controlling factors and tracing mechanism of Sn isotope fractionation in the mineralization process can be discussed from the perspective of source, evolution and precipitation of ore- forming fluid, and a Sn isotope evolution model in complex tin metallogenic systems can be established. The Sn isotope studies can provide new ideas for further understanding the “source”, “transportation” and “storage” processes of multi- type tin mineralization, provide key Sn isotope evidence for the identification of the genesis types and ore- forming materials of disputed tin deposits, and then provide a new perspective for the study of large- scale tin polymetallic mineralization, which has important theoretical value and practical significance.