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Sphene, also known as titanite, is a calcium titanium silicate mineral prized for its exceptional brilliance and "fire" (dispersion of light). It's characterized by its wedge-shaped crystals, from which its name is derived. Sphene exhibits a wide range of colors, including yellow, green, brown, and sometimes pink, red, or orange. While it can be relatively fragile, sphene's vibrant colors and high dispersion make it a sought-after gemstone.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Composition:

Sphene is a calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5) with trace amounts of other elements like iron, aluminum, and rare earth metals.

Appearance:

Sphene typically has a resinous to adamantine luster. It can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The most common colors are green and yellowish-green, but it can also be yellow, brown, orange, red, pink, or even colorless.

Fire and Dispersion:

Sphene is known for its exceptional fire, which is the visual effect caused by light dispersion. Its dispersion is higher than that of a diamond, meaning it can break white light into spectral colors more effectively, creating a brilliant, fiery display.

Crystallography:

Sphene typically forms flattened, wedge-shaped crystals, which is why it's also called titanite.

Rarity and Value:

Although sphene is not particularly rare, high-quality, transparent, and well-cut sphenes with intense colors are considered more valuable. Due to its moderate hardness (5-5.5 on the Mohs scale), sphene can be fragile and requires careful handling in jewelry.

Metaphysical Properties:

Sphene is believed to aid in processing information, improving mental abilities, and promoting spiritual enlightenment.

In summary, sphene is a fascinating gemstone with a unique combination of properties that make it a favorite among collectors and jewelers