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Anthophyllite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Anthophylline, Gray Asbestos, Kupfferite

Anthophyllite is an amphibole mineral: ☐Mg2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 (☐ is for a vacancy, a point defect in the crystal structure), magnesium iron inosilicate hydroxide. Anthophyllite is polymorphic with cummingtonite. Some forms of anthophyllite are lamellar or fibrous and are classed as asbestos. The name is derived from the Latin word anthophyllum, meaning clove, an allusion to the most common color of the mineral.

Hardness:

5.5 - 6

Density:

3.67 g/cm³

General Info About Anthophyllite

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Physical Properties of Anthophyllite

Colors

White, greenish grey, green, clove brown, brownish green

Streak

White to greyish-white

Hardness

5.5 - 6 , Hard

Density

3.67 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Anthophyllite

Formula

◻{Mg₂}{Mg₅}(Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂

Elements listed

H, Mg, O, Si

Common Impurities

Ti,Al,Mn,Ca,Na

Optical Properties of Anthophyllite

Refractive Index

1.603-1.690

Pleochroism

Fe-rich - moderate: clove-brown, yellowish brown, grayish brown, brown-gray, brownish, clove-brown to dark brown, grayish blue to green, lilac

Optical Character

Biaxial positive or negative

Characteristics of Anthophyllite

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Formation of Anthophyllite

Anthophyllite is the product of metamorphism of magnesium-rich rocks, especially ultrabasic igneous rocks and impure dolomitic shales. It also forms as a retrograde product rimming relict orthopyroxenes and olivine, and as an accessory mineral in cordierite-bearing gneisses and schists. Anthophyllite also occurs as a retrograde metamorphic mineral derived from ultramafic rocks along with serpentinite.

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