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Questions and Answers
What is the common characteristic of the crystals formed by amphibole minerals?
What is the main difference between pyroxenes and amphiboles?
Where are amphiboles more commonly found?
What type of rocks can amphibole minerals be found in?
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What is the name of the type of rocks that are named for the green color of amphibole?
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What is the relationship between asbestos and amphibole minerals?
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What is the primary source of commercial asbestos?
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What was asbestos commonly used for in older buildings?
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What are amphiboles often an important component of?
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What is jade commonly made of?
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What are nephrite and jadeite nearly indistinguishable from each other?
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What is happening globally regarding asbestos?
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Study Notes
Amphibole Minerals Overview
- Amphibole minerals are present in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- Form needle-like or prism-shaped crystals, with most not classified as asbestos.
- Asbestos belongs to the amphibole mineral group but is not representative of all amphiboles.
Classification and Structure
- Amphiboles are classified as inosilicates, featuring double chains, unlike pyroxenes, which are single chain silicates.
- Common in continental regions due to weathering, whereas pyroxenes are typical in mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB).
- Crystal structure includes chains extending parallel to the c axis, stacked alternately with points facing each other.
Occurrences in Rocks
- Found in intrusive igneous rocks: granodiorite, diorite, granite.
- Present in extrusive igneous rocks: rhyolite, dacite, and andesite.
- Found in metamorphic rocks such as amphibolite, schist, and gneiss; can form long, thin crystals.
Greenstone Belts
- Greenstone belts are characterized by green amphibole and consist of metamorphosed igneous and sedimentary rock.
Asbestos
- Most commercial asbestos derived from chrysotile, a fibrous variety of serpentine.
- Historically used for insulation and roofing materials due to heat and fire resistance.
- Global asbestos removal efforts are underway due to safety concerns.
Decorative Uses
- Amphiboles enhance the decorative patterns of various building stones.
- Jade, prized in multiple cultures (Chinese, Maori, Aztec), consists of amphibole or pyroxene.
- Nephrite (amphibole) and jadeite (pyroxene) are nearly indistinguishable from one another.
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Description
This quiz covers the properties and characteristics of amphibole minerals, including their crystal structure and differences from pyroxenes.
