Sphene
Revision as of 07:51, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
Description
Small yellow, green or brown crystals occasionally used as gemstones. Sphene is composed of calcium titanium silicate. It is often found associated with granite. Sphene has good luster and fire but is too soft for general wear. Gem quality sphene crystals come from the Austrian and Swiss Alps, Myanmar, Canada (Ontario) and the U.S. (California, New York, Montana).
Synonyms and Related Terms
titanite; esfena, titanita (Esp.); esfena (Port.); Sphen, Titanit (Deut.); sfeen (Ned.)
Other Properties
Monoclinic system, often forming wedge-shaped, twinned crystals; sometimes compact, massive. Distinct cleavage in parallel planes. Luster = adamantine to resinous. Fracture = conchoidal. Streak = white
| Composition | CaTiSiO5 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 5.0 - 5.5 |
| Density | 3.4-3.6 |
| Refractive Index | 1.84 - 2.11 |
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Titanite