Sphene, also known as titanite, has rich body colors, strong trichroism, and a fire that exceeds diamond. Although softer than many more popular gems, sphenes can make wonderful jewelry stones if set and maintained properly.

Sphene is usually included and rarely even eye clean.

Size is definitely a premium characteristic with this species.

In general, specimens with reasonably good clarity, strong and attractive body color, and at least some display of dispersion command the best prices.

Some rare specimens from Afghanistan and Pakistan have demonstrated color change. Vanadium-bearing sphenes have shown green to yellow-green in daylight but brownish orange to brown under incandescent light. Another specimen has shown a brownish, yellowish green in daylight but orangey yellow under incandescent light.

Sphene or titanite belongs to the titanite mineral group as the titanium-rich (Ti) member. It’s the only member of this group commonly used as a gemstone. While mineralogists officially use the term titanite to refer to this stone, many gemologists use the term sphene. By either name, however, these striking gems remain little known to most jewelry connoisseurs, despite reasonable availability.

Sphenes frequently come in yellow, orange, brown, and green hues, with many gradations between them, and often show color zoning. Iron (Fe) and rare-earth element impurities create these typical colors. Chromium (Cr) colors the rare “chrome sphene” variety an intense green. Sphenes can also occur colorless, red, blue, black, and brown.

Sphene’s dispersion or fire ranks among the highest in the gem world. However, its body color, degree of inclusions, cutting orientation, and cutting style may enhance or obscure this feature. (Gems with high dispersion and strong pleochroism like sphene may not show both properties at the same time).

If polished well, sphenes can match diamond’s adamantine luster. Unfortunately, polishing this gem well proves quite difficult.  

Round brilliant cuts can showcase sphenes beautifully.