Sphene is also known as “titanite” due to its titanium content. They are yellow, orange, brown or green gems with many graduations between those colors. The usual colors are created by iron and rare-earth element impurities. Sphene is found primarily in Madagascar, Mexico, Canada and, historically, in Austria. Although reasonably available in the marketplace, it is virtually unknown to the general public.

Several gemological characteristics make it beautiful and desirable as a collector’s stone or, with care, for jewelry use. Its dispersion, (fire,) is one of the highest of all gem materials and is higher than diamond. The body color, degree of inclusions, cutting orientation and cutting style may enhance or obscure this feature. If polished well, the luster can better or equal that of diamond, but the gem is difficult to polish well. The high birefringence usually makes some doubling of facet images visible within the stone, sometimes giving it a degree of internal fuzziness similar to that often seen in zircon or peridot. A rare variety termed chrome sphene is colored by chromium and is an intense green. Enhancements, imitations or synthetics are not known. This gem is somewhat risky as a jewelry stone due to its softness and brittleness, but beautiful if set protectively. Shield this gem from knocks, heat and exposure to acids; do not clean with steam or ultrasonics, and it will be the most spectacular addition to your gemstone collection or jewelry case.

  PICTURE IS ENLARGED 

 Gem type:SPHENE

                      

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