Actinolite
Actinolite is a tricky mineral to write about.
Fibrous or asbestiform actinolite is a recognised form of asbestos, a famous mineral with well known historical dangers associated with it.
Non-fibrous actinolite is considered broadly safe, with some types being used as a mineral specimen or for jewellery usage.
Information about Actinolite
Actinolite is a green to dark green amphibole mineral that commonly forms in fibrous, bladed, or columnar crystals.
It is often found in metamorphic rocks such as schists, marbles, and greenschists, where it contributes to their characteristic green colouration.
The fibrous variety of actinolite is a type of asbestos, while the more massive and crystalline forms are non-asbestiform and considered safe. It has a vitreous to silky luster, with translucent to opaque specimens being the most common.
A member of the actinolite group, containing actinolite, ferro-actinolite, and mangano-actinolite. It forms a series with tremolite and ferro-actinolite.
Uses and History
Actinolite has limited industrial applications, but its fibrous form was historically used in asbestos products, such as insulation and fireproof materials. However, due to health concerns related to asbestos exposure, its use has been largely discontinued.
Non-fibrous actinolite is sometimes used as a minor gemstone or ornamental stone in carvings and jewellery.
Actinolite is named from the Greek word aktis, meaning “ray” or “beam,” due to its fibrous or radiating crystal habit. It has been historically significant in geological studies, helping to understand metamorphic processes.
Mineralogy
Pale to dark green, yellow green, blue, black, white, grey.
Hazards and Warnings
The fibrous form of actinolite is an asbestiform mineral and can pose serious health hazards if inhaled.
Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.
Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.
When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.
Translations
Arabic:
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Indonesian:
Punjabi:
English:
- Actinolite
Italian:
- Actinolota
Russian:
- Актинолит
French:
- Actinote
Japanese:
- 緑閃石
Spanish:
- Actynolita
German:
- Aktinolith
Korean:
Thai:
Gujurati:
Mandarin Chinese:
- 阳起石
Urdu: