Ferro-actinolite

Ferro-actinolite is the ferrous iron rich endmember of the actinolite - tremolite continuous solid solution series of the double chain calcic amphibole group of inosilicate minerals. All the series members belong to the monoclinic crystal system.

The following formula comparison indicates the position of individual well-known members within the series:

tremolite: ☐Ca₂(Mg_5.0-4.5Fe²⁺_0.0-0.5)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

actinolite: ☐Ca₂(Mg_4.5-2.5Fe²⁺_0.5-2.5)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

ferro-actinolite: ☐Ca₂(Mg_2.5-0.0Fe²⁺_2.5-5.0)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

Some other substitute cations that may replace either Ca, Mg, or Fe include potassium (K), aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), and chromium (Cr). A fluorine (F) anion may partially replace the hydroxyl (OH).

Physical properties

Ferroactinolite prisms are much darker in color than actinolite due to higher iron content affecting opacity, but may be dark green in thin slices or around the edges. The crystals are brittle with a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale and a white streak. It is pleochroic and has a higher refractive indices and surface relief than actinolite.

References