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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Titanite

Titanite (sphene) is a high-fire gemstone species valued by collectors and connoisseurs.

5.25 Mohs Green, Yellow Green Silicate (Nesosilicate: Titanite/Sphene)
Titanite

Overview

Titanite (sphene) is a high-fire gemstone species valued by collectors and connoisseurs.

Did you know? Titanite can display exceptional fire that rivals or exceeds many common gems.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Titanite

Scientific classification: Silicate (Nesosilicate: Titanite/Sphene)

Hardness: 5.25 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: adamantine to vitreous

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Primary colour: Green

Secondary colour: Yellow Green

Colour family: Greens

Very high birefringence and noticeable doubling are key diagnostic features.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 5.25 Mohs

Chemical composition: Calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5)

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Common locations: Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

High-dispersion titanium silicate gemstone with green to yellow-green tones.

Optical effects: High Dispersion

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Titanite (sphene)

Mineral group: Nesosilicate group

Chemical formula: Calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5)

Mohs hardness: 5.25

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Lustre: adamantine to vitreous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: White

Cleavage: Variable by species/material

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 3.4-3.6

Refractive index: 1.84-2.11

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Green, yellow-green, brown

Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features

Geological environment: Species-dependent

Principal mining regions: Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia

Important commercial sources: Gem titanite is uncommon and sourced from metamorphic and igneous settings

Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.

Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.

Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.

Jewellery uses: Used in collector faceted gems and occasional fine jewelry.

Care recommendations: Moderate hardness and cleavage require careful wear and setting.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Titanite.

Formation

Forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks rich in calcium and titanium.

Origin

Gem titanite is uncommon and sourced from metamorphic and igneous settings

Uses

Best for: Used in collector faceted gems and occasional fine jewelry.

Ideal uses: Collector stones emphasizing strong fire.

Titanite FAQ

How can I identify Titanite?

Compare hardness (5.25 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (adamantine to vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Titanite appear in?

High-dispersion titanium silicate gemstone with green to yellow-green tones.

Where is Titanite commonly used?

Collector stones emphasizing strong fire.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.