Axinite identification and geology

Browse this collection and related resources

• Browse all mineral identification entries — Compare this entry with the complete GeoMiner minerals collection.
• Previous: Aventurine — Quartz variety with sparkly inclusions of fuchsite mica green or hematite red-brown creating aventurescence.
• Next: Azurite — Deep blue copper carbonate hydroxide. Historically important as a blue pigment and indicator of copper deposits.
• Smoky Quartz
• Staurolite
• Titanite

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:37:48.595843+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

Read GeoMiner's editorial methodology or report a content issue.

Common questions

What is Axinite?

Calcium iron aluminum borosilicate forming distinctive wedge-shaped triclinic crystals with sharp edges.

How can you identify Axinite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Brown, violet, yellow, gray; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6.5-7; cleavage: Good in one direction; crystal system: Triclinic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Axinite form?

Forms in contact metamorphic zones and in calc-silicate rocks near granitic intrusions.

Where is Axinite commonly found?

France, Russia, Mexico, USA; found in contact metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins.

What is Axinite commonly confused with?

Axinite may be confused with Smoky Quartz, Staurolite, Titanite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.