Sphene s relative low hardness makes it vulnerable to abbrasion. The refractive index ri measured using a refractometer is an indication of the amount light rays are bent by a mineral.
Relative hardness symbolised by h is determined by trying to scratch a surface of one mineral with an edge or corner of a second mineral if a scratch or abrasion results the first mineral is the softer.
Sphene gemstone hardness. Refractive indices of sphene range around 1 880 2 054. As with many gemstones color clarity and carat are the most important value factors followed by the skill and artistry shown in cutting a preference exists for lighter tones especially yellows light oranges and greens which best exhibit sphene s magnificent dispersion. Sphene occurs as translucent to transparent reddish brown gray yellow green or red monoclinic crystals.
Due to its relatively low hardness mohs hardness 5 5 5 the machining of the sphene gems is often difficult. Since household dust contains quartz which has a mohs scale hardness of 7 simply wiping dust from a sphene gemstone could cause scratches. Possessing a subadamantine tending to slightly resinous luster titanite has a hardness of 5 5 and a weak cleavage.
This gemstone features fire phenomena the special effect due to dispersion and refers to the ability of the gemstone to draw light apart into its constituent colors. Although rarely done by mineralogists absolute values of hardness may be determined in several ways. Sphene lacks hardness so it should be cared for in order to prevent damage.
Associated minerals are pyroxene amphibole feldspar and quartz. The chrome sphene from baja california is the color of fine emerald and. Sphene is a common and widespread mineral in many igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks.
Because of it s high dispersion and refractive index a well cut sphene can display stunning brilliance. Sphene is a rare collector stone with an unusually high refractive index and and a hardness of 5 5 5. Calcium may be partly replaced by thorium.
Chrome sphene is the most valuable type. The hardest gemstones diamonds. Depending on their iron content their colour palette ranges from yellow green to green to brown.
Sphene has a specific gravity of 3 50 3 54 and a hardness of 5 5 5. Hardness is a mineral s resistance to abrasion or scratching. Titanite or sphene from the greek sphenos σφηνώ meaning wedge is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral ca ti si o 5 trace impurities of iron and aluminium are typically present.
Chemical composition of sphene. The best way to clean sphene gemstones is by using soapy water and a soft cloth. Gemstone hardness is a measure of how difficult or easy it is to scratch the surface of the gemstone.
These crystals are typically sphenoid in habit and are often twinned. Sphene is made from calcium titanium silicates and is coloured by the element iron. Also commonly present are rare earth metals including cerium and yttrium.
Be sure to rinse well to remove soapy residue. Sphene is changed to red or orange through heating.
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