Actinolite

Actinolite is safe to handle except in powder form. If you plan to cut or polish actinolite, it's advisable to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any dust. Asbestos fibers are hazardous when inhaled, as they can lead to serious lung disease.

Actinolite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, such as contact aureoles surrounding cooled intrusive igneous rocks. It also occurs as a product of metamorphism of magnesium-rich limestones. The old mineral name uralite is at times applied to an alteration product of primary pyroxene by a mixture composed largely of actinolite. The metamorphosed gabbro or diabase rock bodies, referred to as epidiorite, contain a considerable amount of this uralitic alteration. Fibrous actinolite is one of the six recognised types of asbestos, the fibres being so small that they can enter the lungs and damage the alveoli. Actinolite asbestos was once mined along Jones Creek at Gundagai, Australia.

Na₂O, CaO, MgO, TiO₂, MnO, Al₂O₃, FeO, Fe₂O₃, SiO₂, H₂O

In its fibrous form, actinolite has good insulating properties and was used as asbestos in the building industry until its carcinogenic and other debilitating health effects were discovered. Another form of this mineral is nephrite, better known as jade, which has abundant uses for jewelry and high-value carvings and works of art. Cat's eye actinolite is another gem-worthy form of the mineral. Transparent pieces are cut into faceted gemstones for jewelry.

Actinolite is an intermediate member in a solid-solution series between magnesium-rich tremolite, Ca2(Mg5.0-4.5Fe0.0-0.5)Si8O22(OH)2, and iron-rich ferro-actinolite, ☐Ca2(Mg2.5-0.0Fe2.5-5.0)Si8O22(OH)2. Mg and Fe ions can be freely exchanged in the crystal structure. Like tremolite, asbestiform actinolite is regulated as asbestos.

The name actinolite is derived from the Greek word aktis (ἀκτίς), meaning "beam" or "ray", because of the mineral's fibrous nature.

The connection between actinolite and the heart chakra supposedly protects the body, spirit, and mind from negative energies and emotional trauma. It's said to lessen felt stress and enhance immune response. If you need a confidence boost, actinolite is believed to do just that, increasing courage and self-assuredness in everyday life. Possession of actinolite may benefit the metabolic and adrenal systems.