Sphene Faceting Information

Suggestions for successful tips on Sphene Facet / Faceting Information. Offers information on Sphene stones and related details, tips, tricks and reviews.

0
HomeLearning CenterJewelry and LapidaryCutting Information for Specific GemstonesSphene Faceting Information
By Jeff R. Graham

Sphene

Color: Brown, yellow, green, brownish-red
Moh's Hardness: 5-5.5
Refractive Index: 1.995-2.05
Critical Angle: 30.17°
Specific Gravity: 3.52-3.54
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: conchoidal, brittle
Dispersion: .051
Heat Sensitivity: Moderate
Dichroic: Medium to strong
Birefringence (double refraction): Very strong (.105-.135)
Crystal Structure: Monoclinic

Treatments: Generally none

What I prefer to polishing with: Alumina oxide on tin or tin oxide on tin lap

Jeff's Comments: Faceting grade material is not common and seldom very big. Orient the stone to avoid cleavage planes (twinning plan) on the table and use a fine lap for cutting. Some facets may take hand lapping to get them cut and polished. Finished stones are quite stunning.

Design Notes: About any Zircon design will work well.

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

View All Articles

Related Articles

More Articles
Uvarovite Garnet Faceting InformationPhoto by <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/sphene-facet-faceting-information/"https://www.flickr.com/photos/42200412@N03/">Géry Parent</a>. Public Domain." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Uvarovite Garnet Faceting Information

Practical tips on uvarovite garnet faceting information. Covers Uvarovite Faceting & Garnet Information related issues, research and guide.
Read More
Aquamarine Faceting Information

Aquamarine Faceting Information

Aquamarine is known for its sea blue - blue green color. It is also the official birthstone for the month...
Read More
Spessartite Faceting Information

Spessartite Faceting Information

A guide to Spessartite Faceting Information. Essential information on Glass faceting that includes tips on cuts and polishes together with...
Read More
Ametrine Facet / Faceting Information

Ametrine Facet / Faceting Information

Source on Ametrine gemstones and various information on the cuts and polishes. With guides that cover great information on Ametrine...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/sphene-facet-faceting-information/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/sphene-facet-faceting-information/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/sphene-facet-faceting-information/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Latest Community Discussions

Tanzanian Corundum

Tanzanian Corundum

Read More
Is This a Topazolite Garnet?

Is This a Topazolite Garnet?

Read More
Nigerian Gemstones

Nigerian Gemstones

Read More
Is This an Opal?

Is This an Opal?

Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!