axinite
|ax-i-nite|
/ˈæksɪnaɪt/
axe-shaped mineral
Etymology
'axinite' originates from French, specifically the word 'axinite', which ultimately derives from Greek 'ἀξίνη' ('axine'), meaning 'axe' (referring to the shape of its crystals).
'axinite' evolved from the Greek word 'ἀξίνη' ('axine', 'axe') through Medieval/Neo-Latin and French usage ('axinite') and was adopted into modern English as 'axinite'.
Initially related to the word 'axe' (the tool or shape), over time the term came to be used specifically for the mineral characterized by axe- or blade-shaped crystals and kept the association with that shape.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group of brown to violet borosilicate minerals that commonly form blade- or axe-shaped crystals; often contains calcium, aluminum, and varying amounts of iron or manganese and occurs in metamorphic and hydrothermal rocks.
Axinite specimens are prized by collectors for their distinctive axe-shaped crystals and range of colors.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 21:23