Axinite

Axinite gets its name from its sharp-edged, axehead-shaped crystals. Although attractive and hard, they are brittle and rarely flawless and faceted for collectors only. Brown is the most usual color, although it also occurs in honey-yellow and plum-purple varieties. A rare Tanzanite is blue. Axinite gemstone is strongly pleochroic. It is interesting to note that the darker variety of Axinite gems have been confused with Smoky Quartz.

Occurrence

Axinite is found in cavities in granite and metamorphic rocks. It is located in New Jersey (USA), where natural honey-yellow crystals are found. Another vital source of reddish-brown Axinite is Pakistan. It is also found in other places like Mexico, Cornwall (England), France, and in the gem gravels of Sri Lanka.

Axinite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.28
• Refractive Index: 1.67-1.70
• Birefringence (DR): 0.011
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Triclinic
• Composition: Complex Borosilicate
• Hardness: 7

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Crystals Directory

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B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

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P

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Y

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Birthstone

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