The facts
What manganaxinite actually is
Mineralogically, manganaxinite is axinite group — Ca₂Mn²⁺Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH), crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by mn²⁺ gives honey-yellow to clove-brown; some material is blue. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.678–1.692, and the specific gravity sits near 3.30–3.32; cleavage is good in one direction.
Where manganaxinite comes from
The recognised sources are Le Bourg-d'Oisans, Isère, France, Franklin, New Jersey, USA and Obira Mine, Ōita, Japan.
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 manganaxinite is treated
Untreated. The manganese member of the axinite group, distinguished from the more common ferroaxinite already in the trade by its lighter, warmer colour.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What manganaxinite is confused with
The usual confusions are Ferroaxinite, Tinzenite, Andalusite and Sphene.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.678–1.692 and specific gravity 3.30–3.32 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What manganaxinite is used for
Manganaxinite is bought by mineral collecting — 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.
Durability and care
Manganaxinite is 6.5–7 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 manganaxinite costs
Indicative pricing for manganaxinite is Faceted stones 60–300 USD/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 manganaxinite treated, and how?
Untreated. The manganese member of the axinite group, distinguished from the more common ferroaxinite already in the trade by its lighter, warmer colour.
Where does manganaxinite come from?
Le Bourg-d'Oisans, Isère, France, Franklin, New Jersey, USA and Obira Mine, Ōita, Japan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is manganaxinite 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 manganaxinite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones 60–300 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 manganaxinite confused with?
Most often Ferroaxinite, Tinzenite, Andalusite and Sphene. A refractive index of 1.678–1.692 and a specific gravity near 3.30–3.32 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for manganaxinite?
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 manganaxinite