actinolite
actinolite crystal from Sri Lanka
quartz with inclusions of actinolite fiber and chlorite
actinolite in inclusion in a quartz from Madagascar
chrysotile crystals from Monviso in Italy
actinolite needles like inclusions in quartz
actinolite and chlorite inclusions in quartz
Detailed sheet
actinolite
Actinolite belongs to the amphibole group, discovered in 1794 by the mineralogist Kirwan. The name actinolite is derived from the Greek “aktis”, meaning “beam” or “ray” and “lithos”, meaning “stone”; referring to the mineral’s radiating fibrous nature.
The name “actinolite” was given by René Just Haüy.
The actinolite is a constitutuent of green schist, along with chlorite it gives them their green color. The compact fibrous actinolite is one of the components of the nephrite (one type of Jade).
The apple green to emerald green gem variety is called smaragdite, its Mohs’ hardness is 6,5.
The term “amiante” refers to fibrous varieties called “asbestiforms”, such as the byssolite,and the chrysotile which is a magnesium silicate mineral without iron nor calcium.
When actinolite forms very thin, green hairlike filaments inclusions in quartz, they are referred to as “Thetis’ hair “, who was the goddess of the sea.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Ca2(Mg,Fe)5[Si8O22](OH)2
iron magnesium inosilicate
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Main color
green
Other colors
white, brown, grey, colourless
Color of streak
white
Luster
silky
Hardness
5.5 to 6.5
Density
3.02 to 3.50
Cleavage
perfect
Fracture
uneven
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Transparency
translucent, transparent
often transparent in small crystals
Refractive index
1.614 - 1.654
Double refraction
0.020
definite, biaxial (-)
visible double refraction
Yes
Pleochroism
weak
Number of colors
3
yellow-green, light green, bluish green
Absorption spectrum
503 - 431
Fluorescence
none
Inclusions
it constitutes inclusions in quartz
CRYSTALS PROPERTIES
rare as elongated and prismatic crystals, often as fibrous and radiating aggregates
crystals system
monoclinic
OTHER INFORMATIONS
Astrological sign
Aquarius
APPROACHING GEMS
Exploited
sites
Major sources are France (Isere and Orezza Valley – Piedipartino Stazzona in Corsica for smaragdite), Austria (Zillertal), Switzerland (Zermatt) and Norway.
The gem variety is found in Madagascar, Tanzania and Canada.
use in jewelry
Transparent actinolite is rare and is faceted for gem collectors.
Translucent smaragdite is often cut into cabochon.
Daily care
and precautions
Sensible to acids, must be kept far from chemical products. Fibrous Actinolite, called asbestos, must never be inhaled because its microcrystals cause lung cancer.
Historical
healing properties
Component of jade, in the nephrite variety, its proprieties are nearly the same, actinolite would be related to kidneys and to the bladder. It would be laid over the chakra root and the heart one. It is considered to have calming properties, it would balance the emotional and the physical, providing serenity, and it would help in eliminating.
Other
Gems
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