Sphene: Flashy Titanite
 Sphene gemstones display more fire than diamonds. When sphene is unearthed, it is often found in wedge-shaped (sphenoid) crystals. That being said, sphene is a wedge that has the edge.
Sphene gets its name from the Greek word “sphenos,” which means wedge. Sphene has been found in quite a few different parts of the world. Canada, Madagascar, Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Italy, China, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States have all produced sphene.
Sphene is also known as titanite, due to its titanium content. The International Mineralogical Association actually prefers that sphene be called titanite. The association’s Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names has actually disapproved the use of the name “sphene.” Regardless of the commission’s decision, “sphene” is still widely used.
Although the sphene gemstone has been around for some time, many people are still unaware of it. The discoveries of more deposits have helped to bring sphene back on the scene. As this gemstone becomes more popular with the public, prices are sure to rise.
 The sphene gemstone is usually yellowish green, green, or
brown in color, depending on its iron content. Sphene is transparent, and when cut for gemstone use, will display flashes in the same manner a diamond does, only better. When seen from different angles, a sphene gemstone’s refraction will show more colors, such as red. A sphene gemstone will typically be more valuable if it has a brilliance that disperses more colors. For gemstone use, faceted cuts tend to bring out a nice brilliance.
Sphene gemstones are usually smaller than 2 carats. They are natural gemstones that do not require any enhancements to bring out their beauty.
At 5-5 ½ on the Mohs scale of hardness, sphene is a soft stone. This means it will scratch easily. This is a gemstone that should not be placed in ultrasonic cleaners or come into contact with any acids. Sphene is very brittle, and care should be taken to avoid hard hits against it. As a result, sphene’s safest use in jewelry should be in the form of earrings, necklaces, pendants, or brooches. Even if it is just left as a loose gemstone, it still has dazzling beauty.
Chrome sphene is the rarest form of sphene. The chromium content gives chrome sphene a strong green appearance. Due to its rarity, it is the most valuable of the sphene gemstones.
Brilliantly flashy…wouldn’t it be keen to be seen with sphene? Leave others green with envy while you are green with sphene.
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