SPHENE

REFRACTIVE INDEX      2.054  -  1.880
HARDNESS        5  -  5.5
SPECIFIC GRAVITY       3.50  -  3.54

MINERAL  CLASS          Titanite

 

Sphene  gemstone is also known as "titanite" due to its titanium content.

 

Spene can be cut as gems although it is considered a rarity on the gem market. It brings to the table a fire greater than diamond and unique color shades. The color of sphene ranges from yellow, orange, brown and green with many gradations between those colors. The usual colors are created by iron and rare-earth element impurities.  A brilliant yellowish-green or green is the most desired color. Sphene also comes in brown and reddish shades as well. Sphene color can be changed to red or orange through heating.

 

Sphene is transparent to opaque. Most sphene have at least some inclusions and clean pieces are rare.

 

Sphene deposits are found in: Sri Lanka, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Switzerland and the USA.

 

Although reasonably available in the marketplace, it is virtually unknown to the general public.