AXINITE
Specimen axi-4
$ 95.00Dims: 3.0 x 1.7 x 0.9" (7.6 x 4.3 x 2.3 cm)
Wt: 1.9 oz. (54.0 g)
Bahia, Brazil
This cluster contains some of the largest Axinite crystals that I have ever seen. These crystals achieve lengths of up to 3" (7.5 cm) and are in excellent condition, showing almost no human-induced damage except for that which was done during the mining of the piece. The specimen is likely of the variety of Axinite known as Tinzenite, as it apppears to be a paler brown than Ferro-axinite, and has an almost lavender coloration along its edges. The blades have excellent triclinic form, with sharp edges and smooth faces that possess a bright, almost adamantine luster. Individually, the blades would likely be at least translucent at their thickest points, but in their clustered form, the thickest points are essentially opaque, even in sunlight. However, they do show translucence and even some cloudy transparence near and at their edges, respectively. There are tiny bits of some type of dull, tan-colored crust present in crevices between and on the crystals, but there is no host rock present.