Anthophyllite
A variety of Minerals
What is Anthophyllite?
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.
Optical Properties
- 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
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Key Characteristics
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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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, greenish grey, green, clove brown, brownish green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5 - 6
- Density
- 3.67 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to greyish-white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- ◻{Mg2}{Mg5}(Si8O22)(OH)2
- Elements
- H, Mg, O, Si
Also Known As
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