Glaucophane
A variety of Minerals
What is Glaucophane?
Glaucophane is the name of a mineral and a mineral group belonging to the sodic amphibole supergroup of the double chain inosilicates, with the chemical formula ☐Na2(Mg3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2. Glaucophane crystallizes in the monoclinic system.
Uses & Applications
Glaucophane is crucial for understanding high-pressure metamorphic processes and plate tectonics. It serves as a key indicator mineral for blueschist facies metamorphism and is valuable for geological research and education.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.594-1.618
- Pleochroism
- Very strong
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.025
Discover Values
This stone excels in cultural value.
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The Meaning
The name comes from Greek meaning blue-appearing, referring to its characteristic blue color. Glaucophane represents the extreme conditions found in subduction zones and the dynamic nature of plate tectonics.
Geochemistry
Forms under high-pressure, low-temperature conditions characteristic of subduction zones. The distinctive blue color and strong pleochroism make it easily recognizable and scientifically valuable for understanding metamorphic processes.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Glaucophane
The blue color is very diagnostic for this species. Glaucophane, along with the closely related mineral riebeckite, to which it forms a series with, and their intermediate crossite, are the only well known amphiboles that are commonly blue. Glaucophane forms a solid solution series with ferroglaucophane (Na2(Fe,Mg)3Al2Si8O22(OH)2). Glaucophane is the magnesium-rich endmember and ferroglaucophane is the iron-rich endmember. Ferroglaucophane is similar to glaucophane but is slightly denser and hence increased specific gravity. The two endmembers are indistinguishable in hand specimens and are strongly pleochroic. Glaucophane's hardness is 5–6 and its specific gravity is approximately 3–3.2.
Formation of Glaucophane
The blueschist metamorphic facies gets its name from abundant blue minerals glaucophane and lawsonite. Glaucophane generally forms in blueschist metamorphic rocks of gabbroic or basaltic composition that are rich in sodium and have experienced low temperature-high pressure metamorphism such as would occur along a subduction zone. This material has undergone intense pressure and moderate heat as it was subducted downward toward the mantle. Glaucophane is also found in eclogites that have undergone retrograde metamorphism. There is also a rare amphibole called holmquistite, chemical formula Li2Mg3Al2Si8O22(OH)2, which occurs only in lithium-rich continental rocks. For many years, holmquistite was mistaken for glaucophane, as the two look identical in thin section.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Grey to lavender-blue.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 6
- Streak
- Pale grey to bluish-grey.
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- ◻[Na2][Mg<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>]Si8O22(OH)2 Glaucophane is defined as a member of the glaucophane group with Mg>Fe2+ in the C2+ position and (OH) in the W position.
- Elements
- Al, H, Mg, Na, O, Si
Also Known As
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