Axinite
Axinite is borosilicate, Ca₂(Fe,Mn,Mg)Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH). In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs clove brown and smoky violet-brown. Clove-brown crystals shaped like axe heads, flattened razor-edged wedges with strong brown/violet/straw color shifts as they turn.
The geology.
Axinite carries the formula Ca₂(Fe,Mn,Mg)Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH). It belongs to the triclinic system. Catalogues list it as borosilicate.
It sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous, bright. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.26 to 3.36. The streak is white. It breaks with good cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Clove-brown crystals shaped like axe heads, flattened razor-edged wedges with strong brown/violet/straw color shifts as they turn.
It reaches buyers as razor-edged wedge crystals, clusters on matrix or faceted.
The origins.
Contact zones and alpine veins; notable: Bourg d'Oisans (France, the classic), Pakistan, Baja California (Mexico), Russia.
On value, the database notes: mid-range collector mineral; gemmy French wedges are prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with grounding change and friendship between earth and self.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Clove-brown crystals shaped like axe heads, flattened razor-edged wedges with strong brown/violet/straw color shifts as they turn.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Smoky quartz | Quartz forms six-sided prisms, never knife-edged wedges, and shows no color flip |
| Titanite (sphene) | Titanite wedges are stubbier with adamantine fire |
| Brown tourmaline (dravite) | Dravite is striated with triangular cross-section |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on axinite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Axe-head wedge habit with sharp edges |
| By eye | Visible trichroic color shift |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass (Mohs ~7) |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with good cleavage; conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Ca₂(Fe,Mn,Mg)Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH). Crystal system: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 3.26 to 3.36. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Good cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Contact zones and alpine veins; notable: Bourg d'Oisans (France, the classic), Pakistan, Baja California (Mexico), Russia.
What it gets confused with
Smoky quartz: Quartz forms six-sided prisms, never knife-edged wedges, and shows no color flip. Titanite (sphene): Titanite wedges are stubbier with adamantine fire. Brown tourmaline (dravite): Dravite is striated with triangular cross-section.
What it is worth
Mid-range collector mineral; gemmy French wedges are prized.
One more thing
The name is from Greek 'axine', axe, because the crystals genuinely look like little stone hatchet blades.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry axinite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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