A mineral such as titanite (the second name is sphene) is widely known in the field of jewelry making. This attractive mineral is titanium silicate, and from there the name of this nugget went. The stone combines various rocks and solidified magma. We will devote an article to this amazing mineral.
Stone color
Experts say that the color of the stone is highly dependent on the inclusion of other minerals and various impurities. Consider the most popular options.
- Indigo color is obtained by combining cerium with yttrium.
- The most valuable and expensive specimens are stones, which contain chrome. The result is an attractive green color.
- Shades of yellow and brown indicate the content of ferrum in the inclusions.
- Colorless, transparent crystals are very rare.
- Also another rare specimen is a triple color. As a result of the combination, unique stones are obtained.
When examining natural minerals, you may notice uneven color. Some parts of the stone may differ in saturation and particular brightness, while other faces may be pale.
Also, stones have dispersion. This is the effect of a color change depending on the refraction in the mineral of sunlight.
Separately, experts note the excellent aesthetic qualities of the stone. This gem surprises with a variety of colors, due to which titanite is actively used in the manufacture of jewelry. Graceful shine and modulations are added to the original color.
The properties
- The chemical formula for sphere is CaTiSiO5.
- Similar minerals are vesuvian and pomegranate.
- The density index is 23.4-3.54 g / cm3.
- The mineral can have both glass and diamond shine.
- Mohs hardness ranges from 5 to 5.5.
- Basically, stones have a simple form.
Prevalence and deposits
Despite the fact that this stone is found in small quantities, there are many deposits of this gem. They are looking for titanite in acid and alkaline soils. In the form of crystals, this mineral is stored in veins of the alpine type. Large stones are found in syenite pematites. Very rarely, specialists find titanite in metamorphic soils and contact-metasomatic formations. The following large gem deposits are distinguished.
- Kola Peninsula. This region is considered the largest mineral deposit.
- In the Urals, stone deposits are located in the Ilmensky mountains. Gems were found in this place, the size of which reached 12 centimeters.
- Near the city of Neroika, which is located in the Northern Urals, titanite is also mined, but smaller specimens, not more than 3 centimeters.
- In Europe, famous deposits are located in Sweden (Binental, Zermatt and Gottard).
- Within Italy, sphenes are mined in the Piedmont region.
- It is also known about the location of mineral deposits in Austria, Norway, Sri Lanka, Canada.
Using
The above mineral belongs to the class of semiprecious stones. This stone cannot boast of special strength and hardness, however, in terms of optical quality (light refraction), it surpasses such specimens as ruby, topaz and emerald. The only stone he gives way to is diamond.
To prepare a stone for encrusting into a jewelry product, it needs processing. Masters use diamond or mixed cut. Due to the low strength, only these 2 methods are suitable for the mineral. It is worth noting that in jewelry it is practically not used together with other stones. Combinations are very rare.
For processing, gems of green or yellow color are chosen. Light brown options are also in demand. Due to the presence of zinc and chromium in them, such specimens have increased strength.
The mass of faceted minerals varies from 1 to 6 carats. The cost of stones depends not only on its size, but also on the cut and color options. In addition, the price is affected by the individual margin of the manufacturer and the store. Very rarely you can find stones at 20 carats.
Mineral Features
Some believe that the stone has special healing properties that are manifested in direct contact with it. The mineral is able to relieve headaches, including migraines. It also positively affects the state of vision. If you suffer from constant pressure surges, then this stone is ideal for you due to special healing qualities.
There is an opinion who the stone is able to relieve not stress, nervous breakdowns and stabilizes the nervous system. As a result of these positive changes, mental performance improves. Professional lithotherapists recommend using a yellow mineral to cleanse toxins, waste and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With regular wear, the gem positively affects metabolism and improves appetite.
Magical properties
There is an opinion among psychics that natural sphene is able to protect its owner from negative energy, which is actively accumulated in large and noisy megacities. Also, the owner will be surrounded by positive attention and favor from others. Jewelry from this stone is advised to be worn by people who lead a secular lifestyle or often perform in public, for example, artists.
Titanite has the ability to endow a person with oratory, as well as the leadership qualities of the organizer. Also among the positive qualities, the stone has gained a reputation as a mineral that brings prosperity.If you have a good goal in mind, the stone will help in its implementation. Great luck and universal recognition brings a gold ring decorated with natural titanite.
In some countries of Europe there is an opinion that an amulet with a sphen positively affects the development of intellectual abilities, and also improves the state of memory. The gem activates both spiritual and mental development.
It is interesting
People involved in paranormal phenomena use gems to make protective amulets that protect against thieves, fires and other troubles. If you are looking for an assistant to focus and concentrate on a specific goal, Sphene will be a wonderful present for you.
The inhabitants of ancient Egypt called the above mineral a gem of the sun god Ra. The mineral was used as a talisman by priests who performed various rites. Because of the bright radiance and expressive overflows, people believed that a piece of sunlight was sealed in the stone.
There was also the practice of making collars for cats with sphene inserts to protect pets.
This mineral was appreciated and often used by followers of the voodoo cult, which was actively developing in the United States, especially in New Orleans.
Proper care
Like all gems, titanite needs periodic cleaning. When viewed from the point of view of the special properties of the mineral, the stone collects a negative within itself that attacks its owner. Because of this, the gem should be regularly washed under running water. After such a cleaning procedure, gently wipe the stone with a piece of soft cloth. It is forbidden to use chemical compounds with aggressive components for cleaning natural crystals.
Such substances can damage the structure of stones, as well as negatively affect the color. It is necessary to store jewelry with titanite separately from other jewelry and stones. They can easily damage a fragile gem.
You can look at a titanium gem closer in the next video.
