Information about Hornblende

Appearance

Hornblende is an informal name used for dark green to black amphiboles, largely in the Hornblende group – but also potentially including minerals like Pargasite, Edenite, etc.

Uses and History

Hornblende typically doesn’t have many uses, but may occur alongside other mineral specimens. Hornblende bearing syenites are sometimes processed for manufacturing ceramics.

There are several ancient Egyptian jars and pots made from hornblende diorite, which has a speckled black and white effect.

Locales

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

There are asbestiform forms of hornblende so careful inspection is required. The majority of minerals classed as hornblende are not asbestos.

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

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornblende
• https://www.mindat.org/min-1930.html