Titanite (Sphene)

When it comes to Austrian Alpine minerals, everybody thinks about the classic Epidotes from the Knappenwand, but not enough people talk about the superb Titanite crystals from various Austrian localities, which are the best examples of the species from any European Alpine locality. This showy and aesthetic display specimen features fine, classic, very sharp, highly lustrous, gemmy green and golden colored twinned crystals measuring up to 2.4 cm on matrix. Both twins are actually doubly terminated, and they have beautiful reflective faces, which is important to note as many Titanites from Austria will have a coating of dark grey-green Chlorite, so it's a big deal when you find crystals like this which are so unblemished and bright. This is one of the highest quality and aesthetic matrix examples of a gemmy matrix Titanite that I have had to offer. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of specimens from Austria feature such gemmy attractive crystals on matrix like this. Ex. Richard A. Kosnar collection; the piece was a gift from Erberto Tealdi (former editor of Rivista Mineralogica Italiana) Specimen # TITANITE122101