Axinite-(Mg) is a rare magnesium-rich member of the axinite group, highly prized by collectors for its distinctive wedge-shaped, blade-like crystals. It is most commonly found in contact metamorphic rocks, often displaying a range of brownish to violet hues and exceptional brilliance when facet-cut.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareAxinite Group family

Axinite-(Mg)

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

Is this axinite-(mg)?

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-(mg) with a known reference. Axinite-(Mg) 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-(Mg) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Axinite-(Mg) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, violet, yellow, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: wedge-shaped or tabular crystals with sharp edges.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside axinite-(mg)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂MgAl₂BSi₄O₁₅OH
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.18-3.24 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Violet Yellow Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Wedge-shaped or Tabular Crystals with Sharp Edges
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Contact Metamorphic Zones and Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-200 for specimens depending on crystal clarity and size

Where rockhounds find axinite-(mg)

Classic worldwide localities

Loma Larga, Baja California, Mexico
Merelani Hills, Tanzania
Madagascar
France

Field-hunting tip

Look in contact metamorphic zones and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where axinite-(mg) typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a wedge-shaped or tabular crystals with sharp edges habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify axinite-(mg)?+

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

Where is axinite-(mg) found?+

Notable localities include Loma Larga, Baja California, Mexico; Merelani Hills, Tanzania; Madagascar; France.

How much is axinite-(mg) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 for specimens depending on crystal clarity and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like axinite-(mg)?+

Axinite-(Mg) is most often confused with Axinite-(Fe), Axinite-(Mn), Danburite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with axinite-(mg)?+

Axinite-(Mg) commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Dolomite, Tremolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does axinite-(mg) form in?+

Axinite-(Mg) typically forms in contact metamorphic zones and hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is axinite-(mg) used for?+

Axinite-(Mg) is used in collector, gemstone.

Find axinite-(mg) on the map

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