Collection: Anthophyllite

Anthophyllite is a mineral of the amphibole group , more precisely a magnesium and iron silicate belonging to the anthophyllite-gedrite isomorph series . It is best known for its industrial use in certain types of asbestos , although it is rarer than other types such as chrysotile.

🧪 Chemical formula:

(Mg,Fe)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

The composition varies depending on the proportion of magnesium and iron.

📌 Physical characteristics:

Color : grayish, brownish, greenish

Luster : vitreous to silky

Crystal system : orthorhombic

Hardness (Mohs) : 5.5 to 6

Density : 2.85 to 3.2

Cleavage : perfect to good

Appearance : prismatic crystals or fibrous aggregates

🌍 Origin and deposits:

Anthophyllite forms in magnesium-rich metamorphic rocks , such as ultramafic rocks or schists . It is often found in:

Scandinavia (Norway, Finland)

United States (North Carolina)

Sri Lanka

South Africa

🧭 Not to be confused with:

Gedrite : an amphibole richer in aluminum, chemically very similar

Actinolite or tremolite : other amphiboles that can also occur in fibrous form