The facts
What axinite actually is
Mineralogically, axinite is axinite group — Ca₂Fe²⁺Al₂(BO₃)(Si₄O₁₂)(OH), crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by idiochromatic — the transition metals are essential structural constituents, not impurities: Fe²⁺ gives brown, Mn²⁺ yellow-orange. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.672–1.704, and the specific gravity sits near 3.26–3.36; cleavage is distinct {100}; brittle and heat-sensitive.
Where axinite comes from
The recognised sources are Bourg d'Oisans, Isère, Dauphiné, France (type locality), Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Baja California, Mexico and Coarsegold, Madera County, California, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How axinite is treated
No known treatments or synthetics, though that rests on trade references rather than a laboratory publication. Trichroism is the signature property and the value driver — typically cinnamon-brown, violet-blue and olive-green in one stone. Dispersion is strong at 0.018–0.020. Brittleness and heat sensitivity are the real wearability limits.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What axinite is confused with
The usual confusions are Smoky quartz, Andalusite, Sphene, Hessonite and Brown zircon.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.672–1.704 and specific gravity 3.26–3.36 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What axinite is used for
Axinite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Axinite is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, with distinct {100}; brittle and heat-sensitive cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What axinite costs
Indicative pricing for axinite is $30–400/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is axinite treated, and how?
No known treatments or synthetics, though that rests on trade references rather than a laboratory publication. Trichroism is the signature property and the value driver — typically cinnamon-brown, violet-blue and olive-green in one stone. Dispersion is strong at 0.018–0.020. Brittleness and heat sensitivity are the real wearability limits.
Where does axinite come from?
Bourg d'Oisans, Isère, Dauphiné, France (type locality), Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Baja California, Mexico and Coarsegold, Madera County, California, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is axinite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does axinite cost?
Indicatively $30–400/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is axinite confused with?
Most often Smoky quartz, Andalusite, Sphene, Hessonite and Brown zircon. A refractive index of 1.672–1.704 and a specific gravity near 3.26–3.36 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for axinite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about axinite