* titanite gemstone
Sphene: identification, value, and how to spot a fake
Also called titanite. Dispersion higher than diamond — exceptional fire. Soft (Mohs 5) so prone to scratching; best in protected settings.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Mineral family
- titanite
- Chemical formula
- CaTiSiO5
- Mohs hardness
- 5–5.5
- Refractive index
- 1.88–2.11
- Specific gravity
- 3.5–3.6
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Luster
- adamantine to resinous
- Dispersion
- 0.051
Colors
Sphene is found in yellow, green, brown, orange. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.
How to tell real from imitation
No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Sphene. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.
- Scratch resistance: genuine Sphene sits at Mohs 5–5.5, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
- Brilliance & luster: Sphene shows a adamantine to resinous luster and a refractive index of 1.88–2.11; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
- Density: a real Sphene has a specific gravity near 3.5–3.6, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
- Commonly imitated by: demantoid, peridot. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
- Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.
Common treatments
- heat treatment
Treatments are routine for many Sphene stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.
What to know about Sphene
Also called titanite. Dispersion higher than diamond — exceptional fire. Soft (Mohs 5) so prone to scratching; best in protected settings.
Sources
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is Sphene hard enough for everyday rings?
- A. Not ideally. At a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5, Sphene is soft enough to scratch with everyday wear, so it is better suited to earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings with protective settings.
- Q. How can I tell Sphene from demantoid?
- A. Sphene and demantoid can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.88–2.11 for Sphene), specific gravity (3.5–3.6), and hardness (Mohs 5–5.5). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
- Q. Does Sphene come in colors other than yellow?
- A. Yes. Sphene occurs in yellow, green, brown, orange. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.
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