Axinite-(Mn) is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive, sharp, wedge-shaped crystals with a clove-brown color. It is most commonly found in contact metamorphic environments where silica-rich fluids interact with limestone or shales.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonAxinite Group family

Axinite-(Mn)

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

Is this axinite-(mn)?

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

Often confused with

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

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

Compare →

Often found alongside axinite-(mn)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Mn²⁺Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Clove-brown Brown Yellow-brown Violet-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Wedge-shaped, Tabular, Bladed Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Contact Metamorphic Zones, And Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail specimens, higher for large gemmy crystals

Where rockhounds find axinite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Capelão, Brazil
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Maderanertal, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify axinite-(mn)?+

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

Where is axinite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Capelão, Brazil; Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia; Maderanertal, Switzerland.

How much is axinite-(mn) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail specimens, higher for large gemmy crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like axinite-(mn)?+

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

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

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

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

Axinite-(Mn) typically forms in metamorphic rocks, 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-(mn) used for?+

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

Find axinite-(mn) on the map

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