TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Titanita

Titanita is a mineral with formula CaTiSiO₅, in the Nesosilicatos group. This specimen comes from Imilchil, Cercle de Imilchil, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Titanita from Imilchil, Cercle de Imilchil, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos — Terrium

Description

A single brown, translucent, well-formed titanite crystal on cream orthoclase. A small piece with an almost square outline. Possible traces of acicular rutile. Good aesthetics.

About Titanita

Titanite is a calcium–titanium nesosilicate, known for its flat, sharp crystals, often leaf-like. Beyond its aesthetic value, it can act as a small geological clock, allowing episodes of crystallisation, metamorphism or fluid circulation to be dated through the uranium–lead system.

About the locality

Imilchil is a region rich in pegmatites and contact metamorphism, where unusual associations of titanite with orthoclase and rutile have been documented. Pieces with this compositional clarity and no damage are scarce and appreciated by specialised collectors.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0031
Composition
CaTiSiO₅
Name
Titanita
Group
Nesosilicatos
Category
Lucimera
Matrix
Ortoclasa
Mine
Imilchil
District / Municipality
Cercle de Imilchil
Province
Midelt
Region
Drâa-Tafilalet
Country
Marruecos
Size (cm)
4.5 x 3 x 3
Weight
22 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Diego Navarro
Etymology
It was initially called "sphene" for its shape (Greek "sphen" = "wedge"). The accepted name "titanite" reflects its titanium content. Titanium was named by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, although William Gregor had discovered the element a few years earlier; Klaproth publicly acknowledged Gregor’s priority. Gregor retained credit for the discovery, while Klaproth’s element name, "titanium", prevailed.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

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