Actinolite
| Colour | Green, Black |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5–6 |
| Lustre | vitreous to dull |
| Streak | white |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | translucent to transparent |
| Cleavage | perfect along {110} |
| Fracture | uneven |
| Chemical formula | Ca 2 (Mg 4.5-2.5 Fe 2+ 0.5-2.5 ) Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 |
| Specific gravity | 3.00 (+0.10, -0.05) |
What is Actinolite?
Actinolite is an amphibole silicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca2(Mg4.5–2.5Fe2+0.5–2.5)Si8O22(OH)2.
How to identify Actinolite
- Lustre: vitreous to dull.
- Hardness: Mohs 5–6 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: white.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Actinolite in different forms
Stones often confused with Actinolite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Actinolite?
Actinolite is Mohs 5–6 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Actinolite?
Actinolite is typically green, black (pale to dark green, yellowish green, blue and black. White or grey when in asbestos).