Amphibole Minerals: Structure and Types
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Questions and Answers

What is the common characteristic of the crystals formed by amphibole minerals?

  • Sphere-shaped
  • Cubic-shaped
  • Needle-like or prism-shaped (correct)
  • Plate-like
  • What is the main difference between pyroxenes and amphiboles?

  • Presence of iron
  • Hardness
  • Number of chains (correct)
  • Color
  • Where are amphiboles more commonly found?

  • On continents (correct)
  • In sedimentary rocks
  • In oceanic crust
  • In the Earth's mantle
  • What type of rocks can amphibole minerals be found in?

    <p>Both igneous and metamorphic rocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the type of rocks that are named for the green color of amphibole?

    <p>Greenstone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between asbestos and amphibole minerals?

    <p>Asbestos is a subset of amphibole minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of commercial asbestos?

    <p>Serpentine (amphibole)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was asbestos commonly used for in older buildings?

    <p>Insulation, roofing material, and other heat or fire proof applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are amphiboles often an important component of?

    <p>Decorative building stones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is jade commonly made of?

    <p>Amphibole or pyroxene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are nephrite and jadeite nearly indistinguishable from each other?

    <p>Each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is happening globally regarding asbestos?

    <p>Asbestos removal is happening</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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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    L. 9A AMphiboles.ppt

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    This quiz covers the properties and characteristics of amphibole minerals, including their crystal structure and differences from pyroxenes.

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