Triphane Gem Guide and Properties Chart

The term triphane originated as another name for spodumene, but more recently has been used in reference to colorless to light yellow transparent spodumene. Triphane's name is derived from a Greek term meaning 'three aspects', due to its distinctive trichroism.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Triphane

Species

Spodumene

Transparency

Transparent

Dispersion

Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.017

Refractive Index

1.660-1.676
Tolerance:(+0.005/-0.005)

Birefringence

0.014-0.016

Optic Character

Biaxial

Optic Sign

Positive

Polariscope Reaction

Doubly Refractive (DR)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert

Pleochroism

Trichroic, Various shades of body color if visible

Hardness

6.5-7

Streak

White

Specific Gravity

3.150-3.210 Typical:3.180

Toughness

Poor

Inclusions

Triphane is a type I clarity stone. Stones might contain growth and etch tubes, healing cracks, liquid and multi-phase inclusions.

Luster

Vitreous

Fracture

Uneven, Splintery

Cleavage

Perfect, in two directions

Chemical Name

lithium aluminum silicate

Chemical Formula

LiAlSi₂O₆

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Chemistry Classification

Silicate

Triphane Colors

Yellow
Yellow

Alternate Names

Teradora(TM), Yellow Spodumene

Countries of Origin

Afghanistan; Unknown; United States of America; Brazil

Care

Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.