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Sphene


Properties
Chemical Composition: 
Silicate of Calcium and Titanium - CaTiSiO5
Classification / Type: 
-
Colors / Varieties: 
  • Colorless, yellow, yellow-green, brown, grey
  • Chatoyant variety
Crystal System / Forms: 
Monoclinic System / Flattened, prismatic also massive compact.
Hardness: 
5.5
Specific Gravity: 
3.52 - 3.54
Cleavage / Fracture: 
Distinct 1 directional cleavage / Conchoidal to splintery fracture
Optic Character: 
Anisotropic, D.R., Biaxial positive
Lustre: 
Adamantine to Resinous
Refractive Index / Birefringence: 
1.900 - 2.034 / ± 0.134; Range: 1.880 - 2.193
Pleochroism: 
Strong: Pale yellow, brownish yellow and orangish brown / colorless, yellow and reddish yellow
Dispersion: 
0.051
Magnification: 
Crystals, fingerprints (spectral color in fingerprints due to dispersion), doubling
U.V. Fluorescence: 
Inert
Spectrum: 
Sometimes exhibits a 580nm - 595nm (didymium)
Cause of Color: 
  • Yellowish green: Rare earth elements
  • Intense green: Chromium
Treatment (Enhancement): 
-
Specific Tests & Remarks: 
Strong doubling and dispersion
Synthesis: 
-
Simulants (with key separation tests): 
Natural Zircon (optic figure, dispersion, spectrum), Demantoid (optic character, inclusions), Synthetic Cubic Zirconia (optic character, lustre, S.G.), Synthetic Rutile (dispersion, S.G.), Peridot (R.I., dispersion, spectrum, inclusions), Chrysoberyl (R.I., spectrum, doubling, dispersion)
Geological Occurrence: 
Sphene occurs as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks and in metamorphic rocks such as schist and granite; often as fine crystals.
Sources: 
Sri Lanka, India (Tamil Nadu), Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico.
Cuts & Uses: 
Facetted cuts, cabochons, beads, etc.
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