Tremolite

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A sample of tremolite

Tremolite is a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals with composition: Ca₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂. Tremolite forms by metamorphism of sediments rich in dolomite and quartz. Tremolite forms a series with actinolite and ferro-actinolite. Pure magnesium tremolite is creamy white, but the color grades to dark green with increasing iron content. It has a hardness on the moh's hardness scale of 5 to 6.

A fibrous variety of tremolite is used as asbestos. One of the two minerals of the gemstone jade is nephrite, a green variety of tremolite.

Tremolite is an indicator of metamorphic grade since at high temperatures it converts to diopside. Calcite, grossularite, talc, and serpentine are common associates of tremolite.

References

• [Webmineral]
• [Mindat]
• [Mineral galleries]

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