Axinite (Fe) etched gem crystal (Ref: 17.1-890 )

A choice gemmmy clear tabular Axinite single crystal with etched edges and sharp centers. Especially glassy luster with elegant growth patterns etced in the lage flat faces. From the Ganchu district in Gilgit area, Pakistan, this was a small but wonderful find. The color in most lighting is a root beer brown with highlights of yellow-orange to red-purple. Somewhat dichroic as well, this changes color and darkens in Polarized light or even when rotated in from of a computer monitor. In fine condition the outer edge may look rough in the photos but it is all complexly recrystallized and etched in a delicate pattern. Distinctly different from Axinites from most other locales, this is an excellent Alpine specimen.