The fact that axinite gemstones are not very popular could imply that axinite is not very suitable for jewelry applications. Fortunately, this is wrong and the reasons for the lack of popularity of axinite are different. Axinite gems have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, this makes it safe for jewelry use. The truth is that many other gems which are not even as sturdy as axinite have gained a high rate of popularity with gem and jewelry lovers. The lack of availability of axinite is the prime reason for it's limited commercial exposure. Harsh mining terrain and the problem of armed militants in the Pakistan mountains, do not make it easy to set up any organized mining operation for axinite. Read more details about axinite at http://www.axinite.directstones.com/axinite-gems-loose-th-01.htm