Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Titanite vs Vesuvianite
Titanite and Vesuvianite are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Vesuvianite 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 Titanite and Vesuvianite
- Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Vesuvianite 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.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Titanite is transparent, Vesuvianite is translucent.
- They overlap in green, yellow, and brown, but Titanite also comes in black and Vesuvianite also comes in blue.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Titanite is monoclinic, Vesuvianite is tetragonal.
Titanite vs Vesuvianite properties
| Property | Titanite | Vesuvianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Luster | adamantine | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Green, Yellow, Brown, Black | Green, Brown, Yellow, Blue |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Titanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $55 for Vesuvianite, and premium Titanite can reach $600 or more.
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.
About Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite, also called idocrase, is a calcium aluminum silicate that typically forms prismatic crystals or massive aggregates. Usually green to brown, it is a characteristic skarn mineral and an occasional gemstone for collectors.
Titanite vs Vesuvianite FAQ
Is Titanite the same as Vesuvianite?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Vesuvianite 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 Titanite from Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Titanite (Mohs 5.5), so Vesuvianite 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. Hold a thin edge to the light: Titanite is transparent, Vesuvianite is translucent. They overlap in green, yellow, and brown, but Titanite also comes in black and Vesuvianite also comes in blue.
Which is harder, Titanite or Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is harder: Mohs 6.5 against Mohs 5.5 for Titanite.
Which is more valuable, Titanite or Vesuvianite?
Titanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $55 for Vesuvianite, and premium Titanite can reach $600 or more.
