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Tremolite
A species of Minerals, Also known as Abkhazite, Grammatite, Raphilite, Sebesite Scientific name : Tremolite RockType : Minerals
Tremolite, A species of Minerals
Also known as:
Abkhazite, Grammatite, Raphilite, Sebesite
Scientific name: Tremolite
RockType: Minerals
Content
Description General Info
![Tremolite (Tremolite)](/wiki-image/1080/153876209967562790.jpeg)
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Description
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Tremolite is a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals with composition: Ca2(Mg5.0-4.5Fe0.0-0.5)Si8O22(OH)2. Tremolite forms by metamorphism of sediments rich in dolomite and quartz. Tremolite forms a series with actinolite and ferro-actinolite. Pure magnesium tremolite is creamy white, but the color grades to dark green with increasing iron content. It has a hardness on Mohs scale of 5 to 6. Nephrite, one of the two minerals of the gemstone jade, is a green variety of tremolite. The fibrous form of tremolite is one of the six recognised types of asbestos. This material is toxic, and inhaling the fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Fibrous tremolite is sometimes found as a contaminant in vermiculite, chrysotile (itself a type of asbestos) and talc.
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Physical Properties
Colors
White, brown, colourless, grey, light green, green, light yellow, pink-violet
Refractive Index
1.599-1.637
Birefringence
0.023-0.028
Pleochroism
None
Optical Character
Biaxial negative
Chemical Properties
Formula
☐{Ca2}{Mg5}(Si8O22)(OH)2
Elements listed
Ca, H, Mg, O, Si
Common Impurities
Ti,Mn,Al,Na,K,F,Cl,H2O
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General Info
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How to Select
Tremolite is highest in value when faceted, or in cabochons displaying a cat's-eye pattern. Chrome tremolite, the name given when this mineral contains lots of chromium, is also highly-priced because of its bright green coloration. Hexagonite (a red/pink variety) and clear tremolite are rare and therefore valuable. Cat's-eye Hexagonite is considered one of the finest varieties of this gem. You'll often sacrifice quality for size with this mineral, as larger stones are generally fractured. Synthetic manufacture of tremolite is performed for industrial reasons, not for gem-quality stones.
Meaning
Tremolite is considered a secondary birthstone for the signs of Scorpio, Pisces, Gemini and Libra.
Formation
Tremolite is an indicator of metamorphic grade since at high temperatures it converts to diopside. Tremolite occurs as a result of contact metamorphism of calcium and magnesium rich siliceous sedimentary rocks and in greenschist facies metamorphic rocks derived from ultramafic or magnesium carbonate bearing rocks. Associated minerals include calcite, dolomite, grossular, wollastonite, talc, diopside, forsterite, cummingtonite, riebeckite and winchite. Tremolite was first described in 1789 for an occurrence in Campolungo, Piumogna Valley, Leventina, Ticino (Tessin), Switzerland.
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