Axinite

/ˈæksɪnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A semi-precious silicate mineral, typically brown or violet, with sharp wedge-shaped crystal formations.

Etymology

From Greek 'axine' (axe) + '-ite' mineral suffix, named in the 18th century because its crystals resemble axe blades; discovered in Cornwall, England.

Kelly Says

Axinite's crystals look like tiny stone axes—mineral collectors prize it not just for beauty but because studying its crystallography helped scientists understand how atoms arrange themselves in geometric patterns.

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