On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral group / supergroup · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Axinite
A gem material name listed in GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A.1. Axinite is the name of a mineral group that includes several mineral species, not a single species. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Axinite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify AxiniteHow far lab testing can go
- Caring for and wearing AxiniteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them
- Hardness, density and refractive index of AxiniteEach value with its source and check date
- Axinite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Listing and disclosing AxiniteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define AxiniteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Axinite is a borosilicate mineral group name; mineralogically it comprises several species distinguished by dominant cations (Fe, Mg, Mn, etc.), so the name alone does not uniquely fix a single species and species-level assignment requires advanced laboratory testing. No dedicated authoritative source on axinite has been found (no Handbook of Mineralogy entry, no GIA article), so its composition, occurrence, and specific formation process are not stated here as established conclusions; only its nomenclature and identity level are confirmed from the CIBJO standard (listed as a mineral species / gemstone name, marked no treatment almost always), and the source gap is flagged explicitly.
Scope: Applies to the identity boundary of axinite as a group/series name and to confirmation of its nomenclature level; gives no specific conclusions on its composition, occurrence or formation process (no dedicated source has been found).
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Where it forms
Gap: no dedicated authoritative source on axinite has been found; host-rock/tectonic environment and associations cannot be given.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
How it forms, step by step
No primary authoritative source on axinite formation has been found, so no traceable crystallization steps can be given.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO lists Axinite only as a mineral species / gemstone name, marked no treatment (almost always), and does not address its origin.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
The compositional and formation details of the axinite group are left for completion once a dedicated mineralogical source is added.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Link to appearance
The cited sources do not describe axinite's appearance, so no traceable link between formation and appearance can be established.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Timescale
The source does not state an absolute geological timescale for axinite formation (and no dedicated source on axinite has been found).
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Asia
- Skardu area, Karakoram
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Obira mine, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Isère, FranceType locality of axinite-(Fe)
Sources Mindat · Handbook of Mineralogy
- Puiva deposit, Subpolar Urals, RussiaExtraordinary crystals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- California, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Trinidad, Baja California, Mexico
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
South America
- Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Other research findings
In the CIBJO standard, Axinite is listed as a mineral species / gemstone name and marked no treatment (almost always).
Evidence grade AScope: Confirms nomenclature and identity level only, not genesis.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Mineralogically 'axinite' is a group name; the trade name does not uniquely fix a single mineral species, and species-level assignment requires advanced laboratory testing.
Evidence grade CScope: The cited sources provide no compositional data distinguishing axinite species; this is a nomenclature-level boundary judgment.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
No dedicated authoritative source on axinite has been found (no Handbook of Mineralogy entry, no GIA article); its composition, occurrence, and formation process lack authoritative support and are flagged as a source gap.
Evidence grade CScope: A statement about source availability, not a mineralogical conclusion.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Limits of this research
- Research status: Only partial material-specific findings found; gaps are stated as gaps
- No dedicated source on axinite has been found: there is no Handbook of Mineralogy entry and no GIA article, so axinite's composition, occurrence, and formation process cannot be stated traceably.
- Axinite is a group/series name, and the cited sources cannot distinguish the individual species within it.
- Neither axinite's appearance nor its formation timescale is supported by a source.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Axinite (state the specific mineral species)
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Axinite” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.24 “Axinite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Axinite" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.1, row 斧石 (Axinite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Axinite (state the specific mineral species)" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
- Suggested listing name
- Axinite (state the specific mineral species)
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Axinite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Axinite, p.34; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Axinite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Axinite, p.34; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningCare for Axinite: according to the CIBJO Official Gemstone Book 2022, Axinite must not be cleaned ultrasonically, and it breaks easily, so wear it with care. CIBJOCIBJO's conclusions on cleaning and wearing Axinite apply in any treatment state, not only to treated or only to untreated Axinite.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe GB/T 16552—2017 standard name for Axinite is axinite (Table A.1), and the suggested listing name is Axinite (stating the specific mineral species); Axinite covers several mineral species, and its identity tier is mineral group or supergroup. Names in four languagesNames are registered in four languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Axinite) and Japanese. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is Axinite-group gem material. Japanese namesFor the GSJ (Japan), the wording used by that body for this name is not yet verified by this site, and the Japanese name shown is the entry's own. Institution usageOn authority wording, this site records the CIBJO wording as Axinite (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); the FTC has been checked and its text on file has no wording for Axinite; GIA and Gem-A are unchecked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- アキシナイト／斧石 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 斧石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Axinite-group gem material
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 斧石
- 繁體中文
- 斧石
- English
- Axinite
- 日本語
- アキシナイト／斧石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral group / supergroup
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Registered material facts for Axinite include: chemical composition Ca4(Mn,Fe,Mg)2Al4B2(Si2O7)2O2(OH)2; crystalline, triclinic, with a tabular habit. Mohs hardness 6–7, with one moderate cleavage; density 3.26–3.36 g/cm³ (clause value 3.29, tolerance +0.07, −0.03, range worked out from that). Optically, Axinite is anisotropic, biaxial, optically negative, and transparent to translucent; refractive index 1.673–1.693 (clause value 1.678–1.688, tolerance ±0.005, range worked out from that); birefringence 0.01–0.012. Untreated, Axinite shows strong pleochroism in violet to pink, light yellow and reddish brown, and has a vitreous lustre.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Axinite — composition (chemistry): Ca4 (Mn,Fe,Mg) 2Al4B2 (Si2O7) 2O2 (OH) 2
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — composition (phase): axinite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Axinite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — structure (crystal system): triclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — structure (crystal habit): tabular
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Axinite — Mohs hardness: 6–7
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — cleavage: moderate in one direction
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Axinite — density: 3.26–3.36 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.29, with a stated tolerance of +0.07 / -0.03. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Axinite — optic character: biaxial, optically negative (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — refractive index: 1.673–1.693
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.678–1.688, with a stated tolerance of ±0.005. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — birefringence: 0.01–0.012
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — transparency: transparent to translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Axinite — pleochroism: strong; colours purple to pink, light yellow, reddish brown.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — fluorescence (overall): generally none; yellow axinite: short wave red.
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescenceredyellow axiniteDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — spectrum (UV-visible): 412 nm absorption peak; 466 nm absorption peak; 492 nm absorption peak; 512 nm absorption peak.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — spectrum (infrared): The mid-IR spectrum carries axinite's own diagnostic bands
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Axinite — magnification: gas-liquid inclusions, mineral inclusions, growth striations
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Axinite — body colour: Brown, purplish brown, brownish yellow, violet, blue.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Apatite, Fluorite, Chrome Tourmaline and other entries also name brown or a brownish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Axinite — body colour: brown, purple-brown, purple, brownish yellow, blue, etc.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Cat’s-eye, Zoisite, Mammoth Ivory and other variety clauses also name brown or a brownish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
How the sources relate
- CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017
The two entries agree: brown, purplish brown, brownish yellow, violet (purple) and blue.
Quality factors
Axinite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.38 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.683 / 3.31; Closest values: 1Tanzanite 1.696 / 3.28, 2Peridot 1.672 / 3.38, 3Hydrogrossular 1.7 / 3.35, 4Synthetic Jadeite 1.66 / 3.34, 5Artificial Strontium Aluminate Borate 1.665 / 3.39
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.10.
How far testing can go
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Axinite has a direct definition in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the term Axinite. The CIBJO clause-level definition records Axinite as mineral species axinite, IMA status Rn, with the -Fe, Mg, Mn suffix; the CIBJO wording is quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page. The cross-check result is a direct CIBJO definition, also present in the GB/T annex.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axinite | 7.2.1.24 | Brown, purplish brown, brownish yellow, violet, blue; transparent to translucent | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Axinite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.