RocksdayMonazite vs Titanite
How to tell them apart
A rare-earth phosphate, slightly radioactive from thorium, concentrated in heavy beach sands.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
A calcium titanium silicate famous for wedge-shaped crystals and gems with more fire than diamond.
Photo: Fred Kruijen, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl
Quick tests
- Heft: Monazite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6–5.4 vs 3.48–3.6).
Key differences
- Titanite isn't radioactive.
Side by side
| Property | Monazite | Titanite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 5–5.5 | 5–5.5 |
| Luster | Resinous to vitreous | Adamantine to resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Brown, Yellow, Red | Yellow, Green, Brown |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 4.6–5.4 | 3.48–3.6 |
| Formula | (Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO₄ | CaTiSiO₅ |
| Found in | Beach sands of Kerala, India; Brazil | Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan; Madagascar |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify monazite
- Small yellow-brown grains or wedge crystals.
- Heavy for its color.
- Weakly radioactive.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Monazite guide →How to identify titanite
- Flattened, wedge- or envelope-shaped crystals.
- Bright, almost diamond-like luster.
- Hardness about 5 — a knife scratches it.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Titanite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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