Axinite

Axinite is a brown to violet-brown, or reddish-brown bladed group of minerals composed of calcium aluminum boro-silicate, (Ca, Fe, Mn)₃Al₂BO₃Si₄O₁₂OH. Axinite is pyroelectric and piezoelectric. It is the name given to a group of minerals having a similar structure. The name “Axinite” comes from the Greek word ‘acine’ which refers to the ax-like shapes of these crystals.

It was named in 1787 after the Greek word axine, which means “ax”, in allusion to the sharp crystals of this mineral. It is an acid borosilicate of aluminum, manganese, and calcium with some zinc and iron.

Types of Axinite

There are four types of this minerals. They are

Iron-rich Ferro-Axinite, Axinite-(Fe)
Magnesium-rich Magnesio-Axinite, Axinite-(Mg)
Manganese-rich Manganaxinite, Axinite-(Mn)
Iron-Manganese intermediate Tinzenite

General Information

Category: Sorosilicates
Formula: Ca₂Fe²⁺Al₂BOSi₄O₁₅(OH)
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal class: Pinacoidal (1).

Properties

Color: Reddish brown to yellow to colorless. Blue, violet, grey.
Crystal habit: Tabular, wedge-shaped crystals
Cleavage: Good on {100}
Fracture: Conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness: 6.0–7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific gravity: 3.18–3.37

The axinite group includes:

Axinite-(Fe) or ferroaxinite, Ca₂Fe²⁺Al₂BOSi₄O₁₅(OH) iron-rich, clove-brown, brown, plum-blue, pearl-gray. It is rich in iron and ranges from lilac brown to black in color.
Axinite-(Mg) or magnesioaxinite, Ca₂MgAl₂BOSi₄O₁₅(OH) magnesium rich, pale blue to pale violet; light brown to light pink. It contains a high amount of magnesium and varies from pale blue to gray in appearance.
Axinite-(Mn) or manganaxinite, Ca₂Mn²⁺Al₂BOSi₄O₁₅(OH) manganese-rich, honey-yellow, clove-brown, brown to blue. It is manganese-rich and is yellowish-orange in color.

Axinite Uses

This mineral group is used for a wide range of purposes. Some of the main uses are:
Medical uses: It is commonly believed that Axinite has got certain metaphysical properties which make it a useful tool for healing.
Spiritual uses: This crystal is used in meditation extensively as it helps to gain access to spiritual worlds and higher planes.
Metaphysical uses: The stone has polarizing properties. This helps to align the energy patterns of the physical body with that of the Earth.
Health uses: On a physical level, Axinite helps to align and maintain the spinal cord. The crystal also helps to mend areas affected by breaks and fractures as well as treat muscular or skeletal problems.
Uses in jewelry and dresses: Axinite can be used and worn in the form of jewelry. Loose beads of this gemstone can be used to make necklaces. This stone is also used extensively in the preparation of rings, pendants, pins, earrings and tie tacks.

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