The facts
What magnesio-axinite actually is
The species behind magnesio-axinite is axinite group, Ca₂MgAl₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH); it forms in the triclinic system.
Low iron and manganese leave a pale lilac to violet-blue, sometimes with a pink flash is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.656–1.678 and a specific gravity of about 3.16–3.18, with good in one direction cleavage.
Where magnesio-axinite comes from
Commercial material comes from Merelani Hills, Manyara, Tanzania, Tsarasaotra, Madagascar and Luning, Nevada, USA.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How magnesio-axinite is treated
Untreated. The Merelani occurrence, the same deposit as tanzanite, produced the finest violet crystals; most faceted stones are under three carats.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What magnesio-axinite is confused with
Watch for Tanzanite, Iolite, Ferroaxinite and Kunzite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.656–1.678 and specific gravity 3.16–3.18 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What magnesio-axinite is used for
The trades that buy magnesio-axinite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Magnesio-axinite is 6.5 on the Mohs scale, with good in one direction 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 magnesio-axinite costs
Expect roughly Faceted stones 200–900 USD/ct, depending on quality.
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 magnesio-axinite treated, and how?
Untreated. The Merelani occurrence, the same deposit as tanzanite, produced the finest violet crystals; most faceted stones are under three carats.
Where does magnesio-axinite come from?
Merelani Hills, Manyara, Tanzania, Tsarasaotra, Madagascar and Luning, Nevada, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is magnesio-axinite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5 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 magnesio-axinite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones 200–900 USD/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 magnesio-axinite confused with?
Most often Tanzanite, Iolite, Ferroaxinite and Kunzite. A refractive index of 1.656–1.678 and a specific gravity near 3.16–3.18 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for magnesio-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 magnesio-axinite