Axinite is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive wedge-shaped, blade-like crystal habits that often appear sharp and flattened. It is most commonly found in contact metamorphic rocks, specifically in calc-silicate skarns and hydrothermal veins.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonAxinite Group family

Axinite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this axinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch axinite with a known reference. Axinite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Axinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Axinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, violet-brown, plum-blue, grayish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: wedge-shaped crystals, tabular, massive.

Often confused with

Axinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Titanite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Axinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 5-5.5); luster reads vitreous on Axinite and adamantine on Titanite.

Often found alongside axinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with axinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(Fe,Mg,Mn)Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.27-3.35 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Violet-brown Plum-blue Grayish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Wedge-shaped Crystals, Tabular, Massive
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: Metamorphic Contact Zones
Typical price: $20-200 thumbnail, $300-2000+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find axinite

6 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Bourg-d'Oisans, France
Cornwall, England
Baja California, Mexico
New Jersey, USA
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic contact zones country — that is the host setting where axinite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, epidote in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a wedge-shaped crystals, tabular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Jersey, California — start trip planning there.

Browse 6 U.S. spots for axinite →

Common questions

How do you identify axinite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, violet-brown, plum-blue, grayish-brown.

Where is axinite found?+

Notable localities include Bourg-d'Oisans, France; Cornwall, England; Baja California, Mexico; New Jersey, USA; Russia.

Can I find axinite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 6 axinite rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states — the top states are New Jersey, California.

How much is axinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 thumbnail, $300-2000+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like axinite?+

Axinite is most often confused with Titanite, Epidote, Tourmaline. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with axinite?+

Axinite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Epidote, Actinolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does axinite form in?+

Axinite typically forms in metamorphic contact zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is axinite used for?+

Axinite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find axinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.