Sphene, also known as titanite, is prized by collectors for its exceptional dispersion and fire, which often exceeds that of diamond. It is typically found as distinctive wedge-shaped, monoclinic crystals in metamorphic environments or igneous rocks like pegmatites.
Is this sphene?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch sphene with a known reference. Sphene sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sphene leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sphene typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, green, brown, red, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: wedge-shaped crystals, prismatic, tabular.
Often confused with
Sphene vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sphene
Minerals reported to co-occur with sphene. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaTiSiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 3.52-3.54 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Wedge-shaped Crystals, Prismatic, Tabular
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 per carat for high-quality specimens
Where rockhounds find sphene
9 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Pakistan
- Madagascar
- Brazil
- Canada
- Italy
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, granitic pegmatites country, the host setting where sphene typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, chlorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a wedge-shaped crystals, prismatic, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah, Arkansas, Maryland. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find sphene on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
