Description
Overview and Key Features
This beautiful Titanite (Sphene) Mineral Specimen from Brazil is a genuine crystalline gem known for its exceptional adamantine lustre, striking dispersion of light, and delicate hues of golden-green to honey-brown. Titanite, often referred to by its older name Sphene, is one of the most visually captivating minerals in the silicate family, prized by both collectors and gemologists for its optical brilliance and complex crystal structure.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen photographed is the exact piece you will receive, accompanied by a 1cm scale cube for size reference. Each Titanite crystal is carefully chosen to highlight its clarity, unique colouration, and perfect crystalline form — making it a superb addition to any serious mineral collection or educational display.
Geological Classification and Composition
Titanite (Sphene) is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral, with the chemical formula CaTiSiO₅. It belongs to the Titanite Group and forms under a variety of geological conditions, primarily in igneous and metamorphic rocks such as granites, syenites, gneisses, and schists. Titanite is often associated with amphibole, biotite, feldspar, epidote, quartz, and apatite.
From a structural perspective, Titanite crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system, forming wedge-shaped or tabular crystals with sharp terminations and distinct cleavage planes. This wedge-like form inspired its Greek-derived name “Sphene,” meaning “wedge.” The mineral’s refractive properties are exceptional, showing strong birefringence and brilliant dispersion—even greater than that of diamond.
Scientific properties:
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Chemical Formula: CaTiSiO₅
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Mineral Class: Nesosilicate
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Crystal System: Monoclinic
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Hardness: 5–5.5 (Mohs scale)
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Specific Gravity: 3.5–3.6
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Lustre: Adamantine to submetallic
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Transparency: Transparent to translucent
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Cleavage: Distinct on {110}
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Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal
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Streak: White
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Dispersion: 0.051 (very high)
The rich variety of colours found in Titanite — from golden yellow and green to brown or reddish tones — arises from trace element substitutions, primarily iron and rare earth elements (REEs) such as cerium, yttrium, and neodymium. These elements modify both the colour and reflectivity of the crystal, creating spectacular gem-quality appearances when polished or faceted.
Geological Formation and Occurrence
This specimen originates from Brazil, a renowned source of gem-grade and collector-quality Titanite. In this region, the mineral typically forms as accessory crystals in granitic pegmatites and high-grade metamorphic rocks. These geological settings provide the ideal temperature and pressure conditions for Titanite to crystallise, often in association with amphibolite and calc-silicate layers within metamorphic zones.
Titanite plays a critical role as an accessory mineral in the study of metamorphic petrology. Its composition can record metamorphic conditions through time, allowing geologists to interpret thermal histories and metamorphic reactions. Furthermore, Titanite’s titanium content provides important geochemical insights into Ti mobility and mineral equilibria during metamorphic evolution.
The Brazilian deposits, particularly from regions such as Minas Gerais and Bahia, are famous for producing Titanite crystals of remarkable colour saturation and crystal form. These specimens frequently exhibit the brilliant adamantine lustre and gem transparency that make the mineral so desirable to collectors worldwide.
Optical and Physical Features
Titanite’s most defining feature is its exceptional dispersion, meaning it splits light into a spectrum of vivid rainbow flashes when polished or illuminated. This optical phenomenon exceeds even that of diamond, giving faceted Titanite gemstones a fiery brilliance.
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Colour Range: Green, yellow, golden, brown, reddish-brown
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Optical Nature: Biaxial (+), strong birefringence
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Refractive Index: 1.885 – 1.990
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Pleochroism: Strong – colour shifts between yellow, green, and brown depending on viewing angle
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Transparency: Transparent to translucent in gemmy sections
When viewed under bright light, this specimen displays shimmering tones of golden-green with occasional bronze or amber highlights. These colour variations result from internal reflections caused by titanium and iron ions within the silicate lattice.
The mineral’s adamantine lustre gives it an almost metallic appearance, while its fine crystalline faces refract light in intricate ways that make each specimen visually unique. Because of its relative softness compared to gemstones like quartz or corundum, Titanite is best suited for display and study rather than everyday wear.
Scientific and Educational Significance
In geology, Titanite (Sphene) is a vital mineral for radiometric dating and thermochronology due to its ability to retain trace elements such as uranium and thorium. Scientists use isotopic analyses of Titanite to determine the age and thermal history of rocks, particularly within metamorphic terrains. Its resilience under geological stress makes it a reliable chronometer for understanding the evolution of the Earth’s crust.
Titanite’s chemical composition also helps researchers trace elemental substitution and rare earth element distribution within metamorphic and magmatic systems. Because it can incorporate REEs without disrupting its structure, Titanite is a natural record of geochemical conditions in ancient rock formations.
Aesthetic and Metaphysical Qualities
Beyond its geological significance, Titanite (Sphene) holds special appeal for crystal collectors and enthusiasts. It is believed to enhance clarity, intuition, and creativity, reflecting its luminous visual properties. The gem’s radiant sparkle is thought to symbolise enlightenment and mental focus, helping to harmonise intellect and intuition.
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Energetic Qualities: Stimulates insight and understanding.
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Chakra Connection: Resonates with the Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras.
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Symbolism: Represents light, expansion, and intellectual awakening.
Its vivid energy and natural brilliance make it a beautiful reminder of the power of transformation — both geological and personal.
Display and Preservation
This Titanite (Sphene) Mineral Specimen from Brazil makes a striking addition to any geological or mineralogical collection. Its rich colour, mirror-like lustre, and scientific significance embody the perfect balance of beauty and natural history. Display under bright or directional light to highlight its dispersion and colour zoning.
To preserve its natural beauty, avoid contact with water, acids, or abrasives, and store in a soft-lined case. Gently clean with a dry cloth only.
An exceptional collector’s piece — a rare glimpse into the Earth’s crystalline artistry — this Brazilian Titanite/Sphene is a true marvel of natural formation, uniting science, beauty, and the passage of geological time.
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