Pargasite

Pargasite has a green to black colour and is named after the town of Pargas in Finland, where it was first discovered.

It is sometimes used as a gemstone but is also often collected as a mineral specimen.

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Information about Pargasite

Pargasite is a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals.

It typically forms prismatic to columnar crystals, and is most often found in shades of green, ranging from dark forest green to bluish green or blackish green.

Its crystals can be opaque to translucent, with a vitreous to dull lustre, and are commonly found embedded in metamorphic rocks such as marble and gneiss. Massive or fibrous forms may also occur. Fine crystals can display a glassy, attractive finish when cut and polished.

Uses and History

Pargasite is of primary interest to geologists and petrologists as it plays a role in interpreting the metamorphic history of rocks, particularly in high-temperature environments.

It is also of minor significance in the gemstone market when found in transparent, well-coloured form, typically cut into cabochons or kept as collector specimens.

Pargasite was first described in 1814, named after the town of Pargas, located in Finland, where it was originally discovered in a calc-silicate skarn deposit.

Since then, it has been found in various regions worldwide, including Japan, Canada, Tanzania, the USA, and Russia. Its significance lies more in scientific contexts than in decorative or commercial applications.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
An inosilicate mineral in the amphibole group, with the formula NaCa2(Mg4Al)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2
Colours and Variations

Light brown, brown, green-brown, green, dark green, black.

Streak
Pale grey-green.
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent to opaque.
Fracture
Transparent to opaque.
Crystal habit
Prismatic to tabular, often massive, grainy – very often part of the matrix of other rocks and minerals.
Mohs hardness
5-6
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
3.04 – 3.17
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

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

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English:

  • Pargasite

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  • Паргасит

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Japanese:

  • パーガス閃石

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  • Pargasit

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  • Pargasit

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Mandarin Chinese:

  • 韭闪石

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Further Reading / External Links