General Info:

Sphene is a relatively new, rare exotic gemstone that remains virtually unknown to most jeweler connoisseurs. Named for its famed locale, the bright lime-greens of Capelinha Sphene are not only one of Sphene’s rarest hues, but are also body colors highly conducive to visible fire (see below).

Sphene’s major value determinants are a dispersion (fire) greater than Diamonds, a strong pleochroism (different colors visible from different angles) that makes it appear to change color, an amazing adamantine (Diamond-like) luster, double refractivity that lends optical depth, an unusually high refractive index affording excellent brilliance, and cutting quality.

Possessing an intense natural beauty, Sphene facets into brilliant, fiery gems, but is notoriously difficult to polish and cutters must use a fine lap. Every Capelinha Sphene has been optimally cut with an eye-clean clarity, the highest quality clarity grade for colored gemstones, to maximize each gem’s fiery brilliance, and a deft polish condition, to maximize luster.

A brilliantly transparent gem, sphene has fire greater than that of diamond! This gem is named from the Greek word for “wedge,” as its crystals are typically wedge shaped, but may be referred to by its mineral name, titanite. Another characteristic sphene possesses is birefringence, or double refraction, meaning that light splits into two rays as it passes through the gem. As a result, the back facets appear as double images, giving the gem a soft, hazy appearance, similar to the doubling seen in zircon.

Classification

• Common Name: Sphene
• Species Sphene
• Variety
• Colors Yellow, Green, Brown, Orange, Red
• Alternate Names: Titanite, Chrome Sphene
• Gemstone Groups
• Key Separations: OTL RI reading, very strong eye visible doubling, possibly spectra
• Comments Chrome sphene is intense green in color.

Item Specifics: