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Gem Profile- Titanite or Sphene

by Judy Ellis
I ran across Titanite a few months ago when I was looking for an unusual gemstone to add to my own fledgling collection. I must have been in a green mood that day because I bought some jade, peridot, rhyolite and happen to pick up something labeled "sphene." At first, I thought they were another variety of color-changing stones because of the fire. As I picked them up and took a good look, I just had to have them.
What is Sphene?

Sphene does not change color.

It has more fire than diamond, with beautiful gold and red flashes.

Titanite varies from bright green to yellow and gold for gems. Black, gray, and white appear in mineral specimens.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Titanite or Sphene - , General Education, , Titanite Crystals
What's in a name?

Sphene or Titanite?

The answer is both.

Mineralogists use Titanite. Gemologists say Sphene.

The terms are interchangeable.
How is it formed?

Titanite forms by metamorphosis, one of my favorite processes.

"Titanite" comes from titanium in its composition: CaTiSiOâ‚… (calcium titanium silicon oxide).

Sphene occurs mainly in igneous rock. It also appears in metamorphic limestone and schist.

"Sphene" derives from Greek "sphenos," meaning "wedge," for its crystal shape.

Crystals often form twinned clusters. Color varies by trace minerals like iron.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Titanite or Sphene - , General Education, , Titanite
More about it.

Sphene is primarily found in Pakistan, Italy, Russia, China, Brazil, Madagascar, Austria, Canada (Ontario), New York, and California.

It is usually mined as a secondary mineral.

Titanite offers beautiful fire and colors. Only the clearest crystals become gems.

At 5 to 5.5 hardness, it is fairly soft.

Avoid rings. Best for pendants or earrings.
Wrapping it up.

I bought two beautiful stones for a protective ring setting.

They flank a quartz crystal I purchased earlier.

I love their sparkle and fire.

People's faces light up when I say, "No, it's not peridot...it's called Sphene."
Resources:

Your Gemologist.com

Nevada-outback-gems.com

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  • Category: General Education
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