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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, colorless, yellowish, pale violet, reddish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: lamellar, massive.

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 to resinous on Titanite.

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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: 3.27-3.29 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Colorless YellowishPale violetReddish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Lamellar, massive
Cleavage: Distinct on {100}; poor on {001}; poor on {110}
Fluorescence: Fluorescent
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Contact metamorphic, hydrothermal, and alpine vein rocks

Where rockhounds find axinite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

Harz Mts, Germany (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Contact metamorphic, hydrothermal, and alpine vein rocks. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: lamellar, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify axinite-(mn)?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, colorless, yellowish, pale violet.

Where is axinite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include Harz Mts, Germany (type locality).

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?+

Where it forms: Contact metamorphic, hydrothermal, and alpine vein rocks. 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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