Actinolite is the name for the intermediate group of minerals that make up the middle of the tremolite-ferroactinolite solid solution series. These minerals form in metamorphic environments, most notably greenschist facies. Nephrite actinolite is a variety of jade along with the mineral jadeite.
| Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 |
|
| Inosilicate |
|
| Monoclinic |
|
| 2/m |
|
| 5-6 |
|
| 3.0-3.3 |
|
| {110} perfect |
|
| Splintery, uneven |
|
| Green |
|
| White |
|
| Vitreous, silky |
|
| Transparent/translucent |
|
| Fibrous, radial, massive |
|
| Very tough and difficult to break, easily carved |
|
| Notable Localities: |
New Zealand; British Columbia, Canada; Lake Baikal, Russia; Wyoming |
| Uses: |
Ornamental stone, insulation |
Specimens:
| |