Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Epidote vs Titanite
Epidote and Titanite are easy to confuse. Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Epidote will scratch Titanite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Epidote and Titanite
- Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Epidote will scratch Titanite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Streak color differs: Epidote leaves a white to grayish streak on unglazed porcelain, Titanite leaves white.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Epidote is Transparent to opaque, Titanite is transparent.
- They overlap in green, yellow, and black, but Titanite also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Epidote is Monoclinic, Titanite is monoclinic.
Epidote vs Titanite properties
| Property | Epidote | Titanite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | 5.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | adamantine |
| Streak | White to grayish | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.3–3.5 | 3.5 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Pistachio green, Yellowish green, Dark green, Black | Green, Yellow, Brown, Black |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $15–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Titanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $20 for Epidote, and premium Titanite can reach $600 or more.
About Epidote
Epidote is a calcium aluminum iron sorosilicate with the approximate formula Ca2Al2(Fe3+,Al)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH), instantly recognizable to many collectors by its distinctive pistachio-green color. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically as elongated, striated prismatic crystals. The color and composition vary with the ratio of iron to aluminum, grading toward the related mineral clinozoisite as iron decreases.
About Titanite
Titanite, also called sphene, is a calcium titanium silicate known for its high luster, strong dispersion, and characteristic wedge-shaped crystals. Specimens are often green, yellow, or brown and may be transparent enough to facet, prized by collectors for their fire.
Epidote vs Titanite FAQ
Is Epidote the same as Titanite?
No. Epidote is a mineral while Titanite is a silicate mineral. Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Epidote will scratch Titanite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Epidote from Titanite?
Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Epidote will scratch Titanite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Streak color differs: Epidote leaves a white to grayish streak on unglazed porcelain, Titanite leaves white. Hold a thin edge to the light: Epidote is Transparent to opaque, Titanite is transparent.
Which is harder, Epidote or Titanite?
Epidote is harder: Mohs 6–7 against Mohs 5.5 for Titanite.
Which is more valuable, Epidote or Titanite?
Titanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $20 for Epidote, and premium Titanite can reach $600 or more.
