Actinolite

Actinolite is an amphibole silicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca2(Mg4.5–2.5Fe2+0.5–2.5)Si8O22(OH)2.

Actinolite
Actinolite crystal from Portugal
General
CategoryInosilicates
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe2+0.5-2.5)
Si8O22(OH)2
IMA symbolAct
Strunz classification9.DE.10
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupC2/m
Identification
Colorpale to dark green, yellowish green, blue and black. White or grey when in asbestos
Crystal habitbladed, fibrous, radial
Twinningsimple or lamellar
Cleavageperfect along {110}.
Fractureuneven
Mohs scale hardness5–6
Lustervitreous to dull
Streakwhite
Diaphaneitytranslucent to transparent
Specific gravity3.00 (+0.10, -0.05)
Polish lustervitreous
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.613–1.628
nβ = 1.627–1.644
nγ = 1.638–1.655
Birefringence0.0250–0.0270
Pleochroismmoderate, yellow to dark green (in stones that are transparent)
2V angle78–82° (calc), 84–73° (meas)
Dispersionr < v
Ultraviolet fluorescenceinert
Absorption spectrafaint line at 503 nm
References
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