AllMineralsRock
Tremolite
Tremolite is a popular mineral composed of calcium magnesium iron silicate. [1]
Tremolite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Tremolite:- Transparency: Tremolite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, tremolite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, tremolite can be silky or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Tremolite streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Tremolite's hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Tremolite's specific gravity ranges from 2.9 to 2.98.
Tremolite: Background and Summary
Tremolite is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group and is a calcium magnesium silicate. It is a fibrous mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks such as marble and schist. It is usually colorless or pale green, but it can also be brown, yellow, or gray. Tremolite is known for its distinctive fibrous structure, which makes it easy to identify.To identify tremolite, one should look for its fibrous structure and its color. Tremolite is usually found in long, thin fibers that are parallel to each other. These fibers can be seen with the naked eye or under a microscope. The color of tremolite can vary, but it is usually pale green or colorless. It can also be identified by its hardness, which is between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.
Tremolite has several uses, including as a raw material for the production of asbestos. However, due to the health risks associated with asbestos, tremolite is no longer used for this purpose. Tremolite is also used as a decorative stone and as a gemstone. It is sometimes used in the construction industry as a building material, but this is rare.
Tremolite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Tremolite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium magnesium iron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.9, 2.98, 2.98, 3.03, 3.2 |
| Hardness | 5, 6 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.56, 1.643 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, gray sometimes: yellow, colorless less common: pale, pink, black, brown, white, purple, lavender |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.026 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Tremolite: FAQ
Q: Is tremolite dangerous?A: Tremolite can be dangerous if it is inhaled or ingested. It is a fibrous mineral that can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. It is important to handle tremolite with care and to wear protective equipment when working with it.
Q: Where can tremolite be found?
A: Tremolite is usually found in metamorphic rocks such as marble and schist. It can also be found in some igneous rocks.
Q: Can tremolite be used in jewelry?
A: Yes, tremolite can be used in jewelry. It is sometimes used as a gemstone and is valued for its fibrous structure and pale green color.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Tremolite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-3980.html- Webmineral. (n.d.). Tremolite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://webmineral.com/data/Tremolite.shtml
- Tremolite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremolite
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