RocksdayAxinite vs Titanite
The quickest way to tell Axinite from Titanite: Axinite is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5.
A borosilicate that forms sharp, clove-brown wedges. The name comes from the axe-like shape.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
A calcium titanium silicate famous for wedge-shaped crystals and gems with more fire than diamond.
Photo: Fred Kruijen, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl
Quick tests
- Hardness: Axinite is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5.
Key differences
- Titanite wedges are often honey-colored and softer (about 5–5.5).
Side by side
| Property | Axinite | Titanite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 5–5.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Adamantine to resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Brown, Purple, Gray | Yellow, Green, Brown |
| Crystal system | Triclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 3.2–3.3 | 3.48–3.6 |
| Formula | Ca₂(Fe,Mn)Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH) | CaTiSiO₅ |
| Found in | Bourg d'Oisans, France; Dalnegorsk, Russia | Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan; Madagascar |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify axinite
- Thin wedge or axe-head crystals, usually brown with a violet tint.
- Hardness about 6.5–7.
- Strongly glassy.
Crystal system: Triclinic
Full Axinite guide →How to identify titanite
- Flattened, wedge- or envelope-shaped crystals.
- Bright, almost diamond-like luster.
- Hardness about 5 — a knife scratches it.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Titanite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between axinite and titanite?
Axinite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7 and a vitreous luster, usually brown, purple or gray. Titanite is a mineral (CaTiSiO₅) with a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5 and an adamantine to resinous luster, usually yellow, green or brown.
How can you tell axinite from titanite?
Axinite is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5. Titanite wedges are often honey-colored and softer (about 5–5.5).
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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