Mineral Species: Tremolite

Chemical Formula: Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2

Chemical Name: Calcium Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Inosilicate

Mineral Notes: Tremolite is a relatively common mineral in some metamorphic rocks. It belongs to the same group as Actinolite and Ferroactinolite. A fibrous variety of Tremolite, called Asbestos, is composed of microscopically thin crystals. Other minerals also form Asbestos such as Serpentine and the other minerals of the series mentioned above. Serpentine Asbestos is more widely used and of a better grade in general. Although Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer when inhaled in high concentrations, it still has many valuable applications. Asbestos is therefore used for fire retardant materials and in brake components. Its prior use as insulation has been eliminated due to health concerns.

Description: A solid matrix of fused Tremolite crystals. The crystals are arranged in parallel clusters and their flattened, elongated form is easily seen. The mineral has an attractive pearly luster and a waxy feel.

Location: Utin, Czech Republic.