Titanite (CaTiSiO₅), historically called “sphene” for its wedge-shaped crystals, is a calcium-titanium silicate famous for adamantine luster, strong dispersion (higher than diamond!), and emerald-green to honey-yellow gem material. Pakistan (Skardu) and Brazil yield gem-quality crystals; metamorphic occurrences supply the larger collector specimens.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 5–5.5.
- Monoclinic; classic wedge-shaped crystals (Greek “sphenos” = wedge).
- Strong dispersion (0.051) exceeds diamond (0.044).
- Color from Fe (yellow), Cr (green), or rare-earth substitution.
- Common accessory mineral in metamorphic and granitic rocks.
Notable Localities
Skardu (Pakistan), Capelinha (Brazil), and St. Gotthard (Switzerland) yield gem material. Tilly Foster Mine (New York) supplies dark crystals.
Found at these Localities
- Swiss Alps (Alpine-Cleft Province) (瑞士阿尔卑斯高山裂隙矿物产地)
- Cavradi Gorge (卡瓦拉迪峡谷)
- Cida (Hongge) V-Ti-Fe Deposit ((红格)钒钛铁矿)
- Skardu / Shigar Valley (斯卡都/希加尔峡谷)
- Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (巴西东部伟晶岩省)
