Titanite (Sphene)
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameTitanite (Sphene)
Chemical FormulaCaTiSiO₅
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.5
Colorsyellowish-green, brown, black, gray, pink, red
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityArondu (Arundu; Arandu), Basha Valley (Basha Nala; Basna)
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesgemstone, mineral specimens, minor source of titanium
Associated Mineralsquartz, hematite, adularia
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image features a sharp, yellowish-green titanite crystal, partially coated with dark, metallic hematite, emerging from a matrix of white quartz crystals.
Geological Context
Titanite is an accessory mineral found in various igneous rocks such as granite, syenite, and diorite, as well as in metamorphic rocks like gneiss and schist. It typically forms during the late stages of magma crystallization or through metamorphic recrystallization.
