By Chisom Ibemere
Titanite is also called sphene and originated in 1780. It was discovered by a French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Romé de l’Isle. The word”sphene” was gotten from the Greek word “sphenos,” which means wedge, due to its wedge-like crystal shape. “Titanite” was adopted to show the chemical composition of the mineral which includes titanium element.
Titanite occurs in a variety of geological environments such as igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal specimen. It is commonly associated with granite, syenite which are alkaline and calcium rich rocks such a as marble gneiss. Titanite is widespread across the globe including Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.
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Titanite is characterized by a unique color such as different shades of green, yellow, brown, and reddish-brown. It has a hardness of around 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Titanite has a refractive index which leads to an exceptional brilliance and dispersion. It typically exhibits a transparent to translucent appearance and can display an adamantine luster.
Titanite has fewer applications in the gemstone industry. It is majorly sought after as a gemstone due to its vibrant colors and dispersion, which creates striking fire. It is a popular choice for collectors and gem enthusiasts. It has a low hardness and not as widely used in jewelry as more durable gemstones. It may be fashioned into cabochons, faceted stones, and beads for use in earrings, pendants, or rings. It may also have industrial applications as a source of titanium.
The value of titanite is impacted by factors such as color, clarity, size, and overall quality. Gem-quality titanite with intense colors, high clarity, and well-cut facets can be relatively valuable. The global value depends on market and trends.
However, compared to more popular gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, titanite is generally considered to be less expensive.
