Tremolite is a member of the Amphibole group of silicate minerals with composition: Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2. Tremolite forms by metamorphism of sediments rich is dolomite, 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.
A fibrous variety ov 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
Last updated: 10-17-2005 02:06:50
