Titanite (Sphene)
Image: Fred Kruijen (CC BY-SA 3.0 nl)
Mineral NameTitanite (Sphene)
Chemical FormulaCaTiSiO₅
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.5
Colorsbrownish-orange, yellow, green, brown, black, pink, red, gray
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWannenköpfe, Ochtendung, Eifel region, Germany
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, minor source of titanium
Associated Mineralsamphibole, feldspar, quartz, chlorite, epidote, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image shows several sharp, wedge-shaped, brownish-orange titanite crystals, some displaying iridescence, nestled among dark, fibrous amphibole and clear, glassy mineral fragments.
Geological Context
Titanite is a common accessory mineral found in various igneous rocks like granites and syenites, as well as metamorphic rocks such as gneisses, schists, and amphibolites, forming during late-stage crystallization or metamorphism.
