AllMineralsRock
Actinolite
Actinolite is a popular mineral composed of calcium magnesium iron silicate. [1]
Actinolite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Actinolite:- Transparency: Actinolite can be translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, actinolite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, actinolite can be dull, silky or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Actinolite streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Actinolite's hardness is 5.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Actinolite's specific gravity ranges from 3.03 to 3.05.
Actinolite: Background and Summary
Actinolite is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group. It is a fibrous and silicate mineral that is typically green, yellow-green, gray-green, or black-green in color. Actinolite is a relatively common mineral and can be found in various geological formations such as metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is often found in association with other minerals such as chlorite, epidote, and quartz.Actinolite can be identified by its fibrous and elongated crystal habit, as well as its characteristic green color. It has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, and a specific gravity of 3.0-3.2. When viewed under a polarizing microscope, actinolite exhibits strong pleochroism, which means that it shows different colors when viewed from different angles.
Actinolite has several uses in industry and construction. It is often used as a filler in various materials such as plastics, rubber, and cement. Actinolite can also be used as a decorative stone, and is often used in jewelry and ornamental carvings. In addition, actinolite is used as a source of magnesium and iron in some industrial processes.
Actinolite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Actinolite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium magnesium iron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.03, 3.05, 3.07, 3.44 |
| Hardness | 5.5 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.619, 1.644 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green sometimes: black less common: pale, white, gray, yellow |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.0250-0.0270 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Actinolite: FAQ
Q: Is actinolite dangerous?A: Actinolite can be hazardous if it is inhaled as dust or fibers. It is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, the risk of exposure to actinolite is generally low in most settings.
Q: Can actinolite be used in water filtration?
A: Yes, actinolite can be used as a filtration medium in water treatment. Its fibrous nature allows it to trap and remove impurities from water.
Q: Where can I find actinolite?
A: Actinolite can be found in various locations around the world, including Canada, the United States, Norway, and Australia. It is often found in areas with metamorphic or igneous rocks.
Sources
- "Actinolite Mineral Data." Webmineral. https://www.webmineral.com/data/Actinolite.shtml- "Actinolite." Mindat.org. https://www.mindat.org/min-9.html
- "Actinolite." Geology.com. https://geology.com/minerals/actinolite.shtml
- Actinolite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinolite
Previous Mineral: acanthite Next Mineral: lazulite