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SPHENE.
Sphene, or titanite, is a mineral from the ore of the metal titanium.
The gem, generally a yellowish-brown mineral, the dark more
valued than the light, is found in wedge-shaped crystals, whence its
name from the Greek sphen. It occurs in Switzerland, sometimes
Brazil, infrequently in Vermont and New Hampshire, in long needles
enclosed in masses of transparent quartz.
The sphene is soft, only 5 to 5.5, lustre adamantine to resinous,
and cuts with difficulty, but a successful brilliant is so unique and
scarce that even if very small it commands a good price, say $50 a
karat. It is the fine rare flower, blooming at long intervals, of a
common ore, which in one form, rutile, resembles coal, and when
cut suggests the black diamond. Titanic ore is fairly plentiful in
mass, but seldom gives birth to a crystal of gem quality.
Intensely dichroic, the sphene's coloring is peculiarly mixed, red
or green flashing with diamond-like quickness and brilliance from
the yellow-brown body. While not really like any other stone, it yet
slightly suggests the brown diamond. The body of the sphene is
less brilliant, but the scintillating colors are more rich and rare.
Yet its softness, notwithstanding its lustre, which resembles that of
the green garnet, forbids hard usage.