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).

Today, we’ll go over all of these unique traits, 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).

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.

Axinite Specifications & Characteristics

The axinite mineral group comprises four rare borosilicates: ferroaxinite, manganaxinite, magnesioaxinite, and tinzenite. The most common gem-quality mineral in the group is ferroaxinite. The group’s formula is (Ca, Mn, Fe, Mg)3Al2BSi4O15(OH).

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

You may confuse axinite for andalusite, another rare gem with similar colors, pleochroism, and hardness. You can identify axinite by its higher density and refractive index.

Additionally, 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 them being biaxial positive.

Axinite’s mineral properties listed:

• Mohs hardness: 6.5-7, varies with direction

• Color: Brown, violet-brown, violet, reddish-purple, 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: 1.656-1.704

• Density: 318-3.37

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

• Fracture: Uneven/irregular or conchoidal

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Fluorescence sometimes present; Tanzanian magnesioaxinite: red in SW-UV, orange-red in LW-UV; New Jersey material: red in SW-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: 0.009-0.012

• Dispersion: 0.018-0.020 (strong)

• Optical effects: Very rarely color-change

Types of Axinite

There are three main types of axinite stones and one additional intermediate stone. In order, those are:

1. Axinite-(Fe) or Ferroaxinite: Iron-rich, iron > manganese; Brown, pearl-gray, plum-blue, or clove-brown

2. Axinite-(Mg) or Magnesioaxinite: Magnesium-rich; Light blue to light violet or light brown to light pink

3. Axinite-(Mn) or Manganaxinite: Manganese-rich, manganese > iron; Clove-brown, brown, honey-yellow, or blue

4. Tinzenite: Intermediate between iron- and manganese-rich, manganese > iron and calcium less than 1.5 percent; Brownish yellow-green or brown

While the first three are named for their composition, tinzenite is named after its type locality in Tinzen, Switzerland.

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.

History

When was axinite discovered? The first recorded discovery of axinite 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.

In 1909, American mineralogist Waldemar T. Schaller renamed the mineral “ferroaxinite” for its iron-dominance. The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) adjusted the name to “axinite-(Fe)” 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? Axinite is usually brownish, but you can also find pink, orange, yellow, green, colorless, gray, purple, violet, or blue axinite. The typical shades for axinite-(Fe) are clove-brown, plum blue, or pearl gray, and some have unusual violet-blue and reddish-purple color-zoning.

The color range and cause depend on the group member. For example, the magnesium in axinite-(Mg) often creates violet-blue to blue hues.

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.

Very rare (and valuable) magnesioaxinites have slight color-changing abilities, shifting from greenish-blue or blue in daylight to lavender or pink in incandescence.

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.

Attractive specimens may be sold uncut. Other cuts include cabochons and carvings.

Clarity

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

Carat Weight & Size

The most valuable axinite stones are those over 5 carats without visible inclusions. 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.

Mining Locations

Where is axinite found? Axinite stones are widespread, but gem-quality specimens are rare. The French Alps, Tasmania, California (USA), and Russia are currently top sources.

Other significant locales for axinites include:

• Australia

• Brazil

• Canada

• England

• Finland

• Germany

• Italy

• Japan

• Mexico

• Norway

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• Switzerland

• USA (Arizona, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania)

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.

However, 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.

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!