How do I identify Titanite?

Titanite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color, Resinous, Adamantine luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Titanite?

Titanite typically appears in Colourless, brown, green, yellow, rose-red, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Titanite?

Titanite has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Titanite

A variety of Titanite Group

Rare

What is Titanite?

Titanite, also known as Sphene (especially when cut for gemstones), is a rare mineral occasionally mined as a source of titanium dioxide, used to create white pigments. Exceptional, gem-quality crystals, which are usually somewhere on the green-yellow spectrum, are highly sought after by collectors. Cut titanite has extremely high dispersion, or "fire" (i.e., white light passing through it is dispersed into many colors - diamonds are also famous for having high dispersion).

Etymology & Origins

Titanite, or sphene (from the Greek sphenos (σφηνώ), meaning wedge), is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral, CaTiSiO5 .

Uses & Applications

Titanite is sometimes used as a gemstone, though it is typically only sought by collectors. This mineral is an important source of titanium dioxide, a material which reflects light and is commonly incorporated into dyes and pigments to create bright whites.

Healing Properties

Titanite is believed to stimulate the mind and enhance creative abilities when used on the third eye chakra. When used on the crown chakra, it is said to improve clairvoyant abilities and meditation. It is also said to bring about empowerment when used on the solar plexus chakra as well as a host of other benefits. The stone is believed to improve organization and can be beneficial when used in the workplace.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.843-2.110
Birefringence: 0.100-0.192
Pleochroism: Green stones - strong trichroism: colorless, greenish yellow, brownish to yellow; Orange/brown stones - strong: colorless, yellow, reddish orange; Yellow stones - distinct: colorless, green-yellow, brownish-orange
Optical Character: Biaxial positive
Dispersion: 0.051

Titanite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Titanite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Titanite Localities Map

See where Titanite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Associated Chakras

Solar Plexus

Third Eye

Crown

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Titanite

Titanite, which is named for its titanium content, occurs as translucent to transparent, reddish brown, gray, yellow, green, or red monoclinic crystals. These crystals are typically sphenoid in habit and are often twinned. Possessing a subadamantine tending to slightly resinous luster, titanite has a hardness of 5.5 and a weak cleavage. Its specific gravity varies between 3.52 and 3.54. Titanite's refractive index is 1.885–1.990 to 1.915–2.050 with a strong birefringence of 0.105 to 0.135 (biaxial positive); under the microscope this leads to a distinctive high relief which combined with the common yellow-brown colour and lozenge-shape cross-section makes the mineral easy to identify. Transparent specimens are noted for their strong trichroism, the three colours presented being dependent on body colour. Owing to the quenching effect of iron, sphene exhibits no fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Some titanite has been found to be metamict, in consequence of structural damage due to radioactive decomposition of the often significant thorium content. When viewed in thin section with a petrographic microscope, pleochroic halos can be observed in minerals surrounding a titanite crystal.

Formation of Titanite

Titanite occurs as a common accessory mineral in intermediate and felsic igneous rocks and associated pegmatites. It also occurs in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schists and skarns. Source localities include: Pakistan; Italy; Russia; China; Brazil; Tujetsch, St. Gothard, Switzerland; Madagascar; Tyrol, Austria; Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada; Sanford, Maine, Gouverneur, Diana, Rossie, Fine, Pitcairn, Brewster, New York and California in the US.