Min. [ad. Ger. titanit (Klaproth, 1795), I. TITAN-IUM + -it, -ITE1; named from its containing the metal titanium.]
1. A mineral composed chiefly of calcium titanosilicate, CaO.TiO2.SiO2; also called sphene.
Iron is present in varying amounts, sometimes also manganese and yttrium.
1858. Dana, Min. (1868), 385. Titanite occurs in imbedded crystals in granite, gneiss, mica, schist, syenite [etc.].
1879. Rutley, Stud. Rocks, x. 140. Sphene (titanite) crystallises in the monoclinic system.
† 2. Erroneously applied by Kirwan to the mineral now called RUTILE, a form of titanium dioxide, which he took to be an element. Obs.
1796. Kirwan, Elem. Min. (ed. 2), II. 329.
1799. Monthly Rev., XXX. 349. Among the metals, are overlooked the Tellurite and Titanite.
1812. Sir H. Davy, Chem. Philos., 430. Titanium is obtained from a mineral long known by the name of red schorl or titanite.