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
Colorsyellow, green, brown, black, gray, pink, red
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWannenköpfe, Ochtendung, Eifel, Germany
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, minor source of titanium
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, chlorite, epidote, amphibole, pyroxene, calcite, zircon, apatite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image displays a small, sharp, yellowish-brown titanite crystal, approximately 0.6 mm high, exhibiting transparent to translucent clarity and distinct facets. It is nestled among a cluster of other smaller, clear, prismatic crystals.
Geological Context
Titanite is a common accessory mineral found in a variety of igneous rocks such as granites, syenites, and diorites, as well as in metamorphic rocks like gneisses and schists. It also occurs in some hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
