Sphene, or titanite, belongs to the group of titanite minerals and is the most titanium-rich representative of this group. It is the only representative of the group widely used as a gemstone and in jewelry. However, despite their accessibility, these stones remain little known to most jewelry lovers and gemstone collectors.
Everyone knows that color, purity, and carat value are all factors that influence the evaluation of precious stones, along with craftsmanship and cutting techniques. As for the sphene, light tones such as yellow, light orange and green best emphasize the dispersion of the stone, and therefore are the preferred colors for collectors and jewelers.
Canada, Madagascar, and Mexico are the main sources of sphene gems. Yellow-brown, brown, green, and dark green (chrome) crystals up to 4 inches in size are mined in Baja California, Mexico. This may be one of the largest sphene deposits in the world. Madagascar produces green crystals, sometimes large ones. Brown and black crystals are mined in Canada.