What is "axinite"

Axinite \Ax"i*nite\, n. [Named in allusion to the form of the crystals, fr. Gr. ? an ax.] (Min.) A borosilicate of alumina, iron, and lime, commonly found in glassy, brown crystals with acute edges.

n. (context mineral English) A borosilicate of aluminum, iron, and lime, commonly found in glassy, brown crystals with acute edges.

Axinite is a brown to violet-brown, or reddish-brown bladed group of minerals composed of calcium aluminium boro- silicate, (Ca,Fe,Mn)AlBOSiOOH. Axinite is pyroelectric and piezoelectric.

The axinite group includes:

• Axinite-(Fe) or ferroaxinite, CaFeAlBOSiO(OH) iron rich, clove-brown, brown, plum-blue, pearl-gray
• Axinite-(Mg) or magnesioaxinite, CaMgAlBOSiO(OH) magnesium rich, pale blue to pale violet; light brown to light pink
• Axinite-(Mn) or manganaxinite, CaMnAlBOSiO(OH) manganese rich, honey-yellow, clove-brown, brown to blue
• Tinzenite, (CaFeMn)AlBOSiO(OH) iron – manganese intermediate, yellow, brownish yellow-green