Axinite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Axinite is a group of gemstones or the iron-dominant member of that group, called axinite-(Fe) or ferroaxinite. The name “axinite” comes from the ax-head shape of some of the crystals.

Is axinite rare? Yes, axinite is a rare gemstone, only known widely among collectors. But it has fascinating properties!

One property is its strong pleochroism, meaning you’ll see different colors as you turn it under direct light. Another set of properties is its ability to become electrically charged from heat (pyroelectricity) and physical pressure (piezoelectricity).

Having sold millions of popular and unique gemstones, we know a thing or two about the fascinating sides of these underrated beauties. That’s why in this article, we’re going over all of the unique traits of axinite gemstones, from axinite’s metaphysical properties to its meanings, prices, history, and more!

What is an Axinite Stone?

Axinite is a semi-precious gemstone usually found in shades of brown, though it’s also known for its beautiful purple hues. Though “axinite” is technically the mineral group, the individual mineral most people refer to as simply “axinite” is the iron-rich ferroaxinite or axinite-(Fe), the most common gem-quality mineral in the group.

Astrologically, axinite is beneficial for Aries signs. It can be substituted for hessonite garnet as a January birthstone, but it may not be a more affordable alternative.

Besides hessonite, axinite may also resemble chrysoberyl, tourmaline, and topaz.

Speaking of which, let’s go over axinite’s mineral traits.

Axinite Specifications & Characteristics

Axinite is technically not just one mineral but a group of minerals. They’re all rare calcium aluminum borosilicates where the calcium is usually partially replaced by magnesium, iron, and/or manganese.

The axinite mineral group formula is (Ca, Mn, Fe, Mg)3Al2BSi4O15(OH). Besides these elements, other potential impurities are titanium, vanadium, zinc, sodium, potassium, water, and barium.

The dominant element among these determines the specific axinite mineral: iron-rich axinite-(Fe), manganese-rich axinite-(Mn), or magnesium-rich axinite-(Mg). Ferroaxinite (axinite-(Fe)) and manganaxinite (axinite-(Mn)) form a solid-solution series, so blending between these two is common.

The fourth mineral in the group is tinzenite, which is similar to axinite-(Mg) and forms a series with the manganese-dominant variety.

Axinite minerals often form as distinct wedge-shaped (ax head-shaped) or flattened tabular crystals. They can also be granular or massive.

Axinite’s hardness is somewhat unique, as different orientations of the same axinite crystal can have different hardness rankings.

Most axinites are biaxial negative, but higher magnesium content can lead to a biaxial positive optic character.

List of Axinite Mineral Properties

Here are the properties for axinite minerals, with different ranges for different axinite minerals specified:

• Mohs hardness: 6.5-7, varies with direction

• Color: Brown, violet-brown, violet, reddish-purple, red, plum blue, violet-blue, blue, pink, orange, yellow, brownish yellow-green, gray, colorless; See Types section for more details

• Crystal structure: Triclinic

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

• Transparency: Translucent to transparent

• Refractive index: 1.668-1.705 overall; Ferroaxinite: 1.672-1.693; Magnesioaxinite: 1.656-1.668; Manganaxinite: 1.656-1.679; Tinzenite: 1.690-1.705

• Density: 3.16-3.43; Ferroaxinite: 3.25-3.28; Magnesioaxinite: 3.160-3.178; Manganaxinite: 3.306-3.358; Tinzenite: 3.355-3.433

• Cleavage: Good/distinct on {100}, Poor on {001} {110} and {011}

• Fracture: Uneven/irregular or conchoidal

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Fluorescence sometimes present, depending on species; Ferroaxinite: None; Magnesioaxinite: Dull red or medium orange pink in SW-UV, vibrant red or strong to very strong orange-pink in LW-UV; Manganaxinite: Magenta-red (New Jersey material) or weak orange in SW-UV, strong reddish-orange in LW-UV

• Pleochroism: Present & strong in colored stones; Ferroaxinite: Cinnamon-brown to violet-blue to olive-green, yellow, or colorless; Magnesioaxinite: Pale blue to pale violet to pale gray; Manganaxinite: Blue to brown to purple; Tinzenite: Light brown to violet to colorless or light yellow; Sri Lanka material: Reddish-brown to dark violet to colorless or light yellow; Nevada material: Light brown or colorless to deep brown to brownish-red

• Birefringence: 0.009-0.016 overall, varies by species; Ferroaxinite: 0.009-0.012; Magnesioaxinite: 0.009-0.016; Manganaxinite: 0.009-0.014; Tinzenite: 0.011-0.015

• Dispersion: 0.018-0.020 (strong)

• Optical effects: Very rarely color-change

Types of Axinite

Now that you’re familiar with the axinite group, let’s take a closer look at each axinite mineral, starting with the most common one seen on the gemstone market.

Pictured above: Doubly terminated ferroaxinite crystal | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Axinite-(Fe) or Ferroaxinite

The primary gemstone variety, axinite-(Fe) has the IMA-approved formula Ca4Fe2+2Al4[B2Si8O30](OH)2. The iron must be higher than the manganese content to qualify as axinite-(Fe).

Ferroaxinite colors usually include brown, pearl-gray, plum-blue, and clove-brown. Some primarily brown specimens from Pakistan have been found with reddish purple, pink, green, blue, red, or violet color zones (though usually violet-blue).

Ferroaxinite does not display fluorescence.

Pictured above: Sharp, gemmy, pale lavender-colored axinite-(Mg) crystal from Tanzania | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Axinite-(Mg) or Magnesioaxinite

The magnesium-rich variety axinite-(Mg) has the IMA-approved formula Ca4Mg2Al4[B2Si8O30](OH)2. The most recent addition to the axinite group, axinite-(Mg) colors include blue, violet, lavender, pink, brown, and colorless.

Axinite-(Mg) has been found as stunning color-changing stones from Tanzania with distinguishing orangey-pink fluorescence. The Tanzanian color-changing axinite-(Mg) stones shift from pale violet or pale grayish-violet blue in daylight to intense violet under incandescent light.

Magnesioaxinite tends to have the lowest refractive indices and density of the group.

Pictured above: Translucent sharp crystals of manganaxinite to 2.5 cm in size with some greenish crystals of epidote (4.7 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm). Found from Canta, Lima, Peru | Image credit: Ivar Leidus, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Axinite-(Mn) or Manganaxinite

The manganese-rich variety axinite-(Mn) has the IMA-approved formula Ca4Mn2+2Al4[B2Si8O30](OH). The manganese must be greater than the iron content to qualify as axinite-(Mn).

Axinite-(Mn) colors include clove-brown, brown, yellow-orange, honey yellow, blue, or colorless. Massive material from New Jersey displays magenta-red fluorescence under SW-UV, while pale low-iron or iron-free manganaxinite can also show strong LW-UV fluorescence in reddish-orange.

Pictured above: Orange tinzenite on calcite crystal | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Tinzenite

The outlier in the group is tinzenite, which is not common in the gem market. Tinzenite’s IMA-approved formula is Ca2Mn2+4Al4[B2Si8O30](OH). The composition is intermediate between iron-rich and manganese-rich axinite where the manganese is greater than the iron content and the calcium content is less than 1.5 percent.

Funny enough, the difference between tinzenite and manganaxinite is that tinzenite actually has a higher concentration of manganese and a lower concentration of calcium.

Tinzenite’s colors include bright shades of yellow, orange, and red, along with the more typical axinite hues of brownish yellow-green or brown.

While dispersion is strong in the other three axinite minerals, tinzenite has weaker (though sometimes distinct) dispersion.

Axinite Gemstone Meaning & History

Axinite crystals symbolize truth, connection to Earth, resilience. It also represents mental clarity and spiritual awareness.

The ax-head shape of these crystals also carries spiritual meanings.

In Chinese folklore, ax heads represented power and strength. Many cultures use ax heads as protective talismans. Ancient ax head carvings in Scotland were likely status symbols.

Biblically, axes and ax heads hold many meanings, such as symbolizing:

• God’s judgment

• God’s protection

• Service to God

• Destruction

• Spiritual restoration

Back to the stone itself, what are the names of axinite? It’s had many, so we’ll have to go back in time to axinite’s discovery.

Discovering Axinite

When was axinite discovered? The first recorded discovery of axinite (now known as the iron-rich axinite variety) occurred in 1781 by French mining engineer Johann Gottfried Schreiber.

However, Schreiber and many others after him mistook the stones for a subtype of tourmaline called schorl, naming them Espéce de Schorl (French for “schorl species”).

In 1785, French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de l'Isle also mistook axinite for schorl, naming the specimens Schorl violet and Schorl transparent lenticulaire (French for “violet schorl and transparent, lenticular schorl”). The term “lenticular” means shaped like a double-convex lens or a lentil.

In 1788, German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner named the stone “thumerstein,” later changing it to “thumite,” after discovering specimens near Thum, Germany.

French mineralogist Jean Claude de la Métherie chose the name yanolite, which means “violet stone,” in 1792. German mineralogist Hans Blumenberg named it Glasschörl (German for “glassy schorl”) or glasstein (German for “glass stone.”) in 1799.

Finally, French mineralogist Rene Just Haüy chose the name “axinite” from the Greek axina, meaning “ax,” for the common ax-head crystal shape in 1797. Haüy found the specimens in the Alps of France, which is now the mineral’s type locality.

Naming the Axinite Varieties

German-American chemist Frederick A. Genth first reported manganese-dominant axinite from Franklin, New Jersey, in 1891. In 1895, Swedish chemist & mineralogist Robert Mauzelius also reported on manganese-dominant axinite from Sweden.

In 1909, American mineralogist Waldemar T. Schaller renamed the original axinite mineral “ferroaxinite” for its iron-dominance and the manganese-dominant axinite from New Jersey “manganaxinite” in 1909, then “manganoaxinite” in 1911.

Swedish scientist and mineralogy professor Gregori Aminoff also referred to the New Jersey material as “manganaxinite” in 1919. But American mineralogist and crystallographer Charles Palache wrote the first full description of manganese-dominant axinite in 1929.

German mineralogist Johann Jakob first identified tinzenite in 1923 based on specimens from the Parsettens Alp in Switzerland. Jakob named them after the nearby mountain village of Tinzen.

After more specimens from Italy and Switzerland were identified as tinzenite, American mineralogists Charles Milton, Fred A. Hildebrand, and A.M. Sherwood recognized tinzenite’s relationship to axinite in 1953.

In 1975, British gemologists E.A. Jobbins, Anne E. Tresham, and B.R. Young of the Gemmological Association of Britain (now Gem-A) published the first description of magnesium-dominant axinite — calling it “magnesioaxinite” — based on rough blue gemstones from Tanzania.

The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) adjusted the names to axinite-(Fe), axinite-(Mn), and axinite-(Mg) in 2007.

Axinite Healing Properties

As a predominantly brown healing stone, axinite joins other brown gemstones in offering nurturing, grounding, and stabilizing benefits. The crystal is also a powerful root chakra stone.

Physically, what is axinite good for?

Physical Healing

Physically, crystal healers use axinite for treating:

• Spinal alignment

• Muscle cramps

• Bone fractures

• Recovery from disease

• Foot pain

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, axinite is said to have restorative properties, helping you accept and embrace positive changes. It may also help dispel self-destructive thoughts blocking your personal growth.

Axinite Gemstone Properties

Besides rarity, the value factors for axinite are color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Color

What colors are axinite? Most axinite stones are some shade of brown or yellow. A higher concentration of ferrous iron (Fe2+) in axinite can create a more intense brown coloring, though too much can make the stone very dark and less attractive.

But the exact hue plays a role, along with pleochroism. Strong trichroism is important for value. Faceted axinites are strongly trichroic, commonly shifting in deep purple and brown shades. Cinnamon brown, blue, and green shades of pleochroism are also common.

The exact cause and range of colors depends on the axinite variety:

• Ferroaxinite: Idiochromatic, brown caused by iron; Often modified brown (e.g. yellowish, pinkish, purplish) from other impurities like vanadium and/or manganese; Irregular distribution of impurities can cause zoning, like high vanadium in violet-blue color-zones of brown ferroaxinite from Pakistan

• Magnesioaxinite: Allochromatic, colorless or colored by various impurities; Most often pale yellow from manganese; Can show hues like pink, blue, yellow, orange, or lavender (often pale, with little to no brown undertone) from impurities like vanadium and/or manganese; Potential color zoning, like orange zones from manganese on a pale pink magnesioaxinite

• Manganaxinite: Idiochromatic, typically yellow from bivalent manganese (Mn2+) or brownish-yellow from mixing with ferroaxinite; Can also be orange or pink from trivalent manganese (Mn3+), blue from vanadium (V3+), or pale lavender from both; Most dramatic color-zoning, like pale brown and lavender Tanzanian manganaxinites, rare blue zones within light gray manganaxinite, very rare brownish-yellow manganaxinite with green zones from chromium (Cr3+), or even rarer blue and green zones on yellow-gray manganaxinite

• Tinzenite: Idiochromatic, yellow to orange from high concentration of manganese in formula with purer endmembers being brighter, pure orange; Can be yellower from bivalent manganese (Mn2+) or browner from iron

You might’ve noticed that magnesioaxinite is the only allochromatic variety, meaning it’s the only one that’s colorless in its purest form. It also has the lowest iron content (often none) of any axinite, allowing stronger fluorescence.

An intense color-change is rare and valuable in axinite. Color-change has been seen in magnesioaxinite and manganaxinite, though it’s rarer in the latter.

Color-changing manganaxinite shifts from yellowish-brown in daylight to brownish-orange or bright orange under incandescence. Color-changing magnesioaxinite is often pink or lavender under incandescence and violet, blue, or greenish-blue under fluorescent light.

Cut

Axinite stones are often faceted, and the right shape can bring out their strong brilliance. Though these stones have good wearability, their hardness can vary at different angles, so proper settings and skilled cutting skills are crucial.

A skilled lapidarist (gem cutter) will also facet an axinite gemstone to best display pleochroism. Common faceted cuts include oval, emerald, pear, and round shapes.

Other cuts include cabochons and carvings.

Many axinite crystals are purposefully not cut because their rough form is so extraordinary.

For example, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reported in Spring 1992 on a rough axinite crystal from Russia that was 36.6-mm-long with extremely sharp edges, good transparency, and beautiful deep brown color. The authors noted, “Because of this rarity and exceptional form, it is unlikely that these crystals will be ever used as faceting material.”

Another challenge for cutting axinite is navigating inclusions.

Clarity

Most axinite stones have visible inclusions, especially larger specimens, though their rarity often overshadows these flaws. Common inclusions and flaws include:

• Veils

• Feathers (sometimes liquid feathers with two-phase liquid and gas fillings)

• Goethite fibers

• Unhealed or partially healed fractures

• Roiled growth structure

• Straight or angular growth zoning

• Fingerprints (often containing fluid remnants)

Notably, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reported in Fall 2016 on the first visual record of axinite as an inclusion in quartz from California.

Carat Weight & Size

The most valuable axinite stones are those over 4-5 carats without visible inclusions. These are rare because larger axinites tend to be more included. Faceted axinites are rarely over 10 carats.

Axinite Formation & Sources

Axinite minerals form through contact metamorphism and metasomatism, like when molten lava alters pre-existing limestones. In regionally metamorphosed rocks, axinite minerals are the only known borosilicates.

The stones commonly form inside granite or orthoclase veins or crevices.

Each axinite variety may be associated with different minerals, but common associates for most or all axinite minerals include:

• Calcite

• Quartz

• Epidote

• Actinolite

Geographically, where is axinite found?

Mining Locations

Although axinite minerals are found around the world, gem-quality material isn’t as common. Sources of gem-quality axinite include:

• France (Ferroaxinite & Manganaxinite)

• Germany (Ferroaxinite)

• Italy (Tinzenite)

• New Zealand (Tinzenite)

• Switzerland (Tinzenite)

• Peru (Manganaxinite)

• Tanzania (Magnesioaxinite & Manganaxinite)

• Pakistan (Ferroaxinite)

• Russia (Ferroaxinite)

• Sri Lanka (Ferroaxinite)

• USA (Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island - Ferroaxinite)

Today, most facetable axinite material comes from Pakistan or France.

Ready to browse axinite for sale? Then let’s discuss prices.

Axinite Gemstone Price & Value

Axinites come at a range of prices, with gem-quality faceted stones usually being priciest. Faceted axinites weighing 1-5 carats are generally $50 to $150 per carat, though you can find gorgeous axinite gems — even color-changing ones — on Gem Rock Auctions for as low as $17 per carat.

Museum-grade faceted axinite gems can reach $1,500 per carat.

Gemmy rough can be as low as $0.30 per carat. Substantially sized attractive crystal specimens range from around $20 to $15,000 each.

Axinite Care and Maintenance

Last up is gemstone care. Firstly, axinite gemstone jewelry should always have protective settings, especially an axinite ring.

Since many axinites are heavily included and somewhat heat-sensitive, avoid cleaning them with mechanical systems, steam, or boiling. Instead, use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush.

Store axinites away from other gemstones and strong heat like direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key characteristics of axinite gemstones?

The most notable traits for identifying axinite: 1) flat, long, ax-shaped crystals, 2) piezoelectricity (generates electricity from mechanical pressure), and 3) pyroelectricity (generates electricity from heat).

Is axinite valuable?

It certainly can be. Axinite gemstones are rare, and any large faceted axinite gem with little to no visible inclusions can be worth hundreds per carat. Most faceted axinites cost about $50 to $100 per carat.

How does axinite's color range vary?

The color of axinite varies. Most axinite stones are brown or shades of brown, like pinkish- or yellowish-brown. But axinites can also be pink, purple, blue, yellow, orange, or even colorless. Many axinites are also color-zoned and rarely, axinites can be color-changing, shifting hues under different types of lighting.

What is another name for axinite?

Most minerals in the axinite group have a specific name for the predominant element: axinite-(Fe) or ferroaxinite, axinite-(Mg) or magnesioaxinite, and axinite-(Mn) or manganaxinite. The last mineral is tinzenite, named for its original discovery near Tinzen, Switzerland. Earlier names for axinite include various versions of “schorl,” thumerstein or thumite (from the German town of Thum), yanolite, Glasschörl, and glasstein.

What is the spiritual meaning of axinite?

In a broad sense, axinite symbolizes strength, security, grounding, and spiritual clarity. The ax shape of the crystals connects to defeating evil in Buddhism, power in Chinese culture, the savior persona of Jesus in Christianity, and the justice done by the god (Orisha) Shango in the Yorùbá mythology of Nigeria.

How can I differentiate genuine axinite specimens from similar-looking gemstones?

The stone most commonly confused with axinite is andalusite, another rare gem with similar colors, pleochroism, and hardness. You can identify axinite by its higher density and refractive index.

What are the primary uses of axinite in jewelry making and industrial applications?

In jewelry making, axinite is often used in faceted form for earrings, rings, and pendants. It can also be cut into cabochons or incorporated into jewelry as small, rough crystals.

Industrially, axinite is somewhat valuable as a minor boron ore. Boron is used for making important items like glass, steel, semiconductors, pyrotechnic flares, eye drops, fire retardants, fertilizers, and insecticides.

Give Negativity the Ax with Axinite!

From a gorgeous array of colors, stunning crystal shapes, and powerful healing benefits, axinite is certainly a marvel. Whether you’re a rare gem collector or simply someone looking for more positivity with a beautiful crystal, axinite could be the one for you!

Buy axinite gemstones today!

Axinite