Sphene

Sphene is a gemstone composed of calcium titanium silicate. ^[1]

Sphene: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Sphene:

• Transparency: Sphene is transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, sphene is monoclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, sphene is adamantine.
• Streak: Sphene streaks red or white.

Sphene: Background and Summary

Sphene, also known as titanite, is a silicate mineral that is typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is named after its high titanium content, and its chemical formula is CaTiSiO5. Sphene is usually brown, green, yellow, or black in color, and it has a distinctive tetragonal crystal structure. It has a hardness of 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be easily scratched by harder minerals.

One of the easiest ways to identify sphene is by its crystal structure. It typically forms elongated, wedge-shaped crystals that have a diamond-shaped cross-section. Sphene can also be identified by its color and luster. It has a vitreous or resinous luster and can be translucent or transparent. Additionally, sphene can be distinguished from other minerals by its pleochroism, which means that it appears to change color when viewed from different angles.

Sphene has several important uses. It is often used as a gemstone because of its unique color and luster. Sphene is also used in the production of titanium dioxide, which is used in the manufacture of paint, cosmetics, and sunscreen. Additionally, sphene is sometimes used as a source of titanium for industrial applications.