Actinolite Quartz
Quartz & Crystal Family
Actinolite quartz is quartz that encloses visible needles or fibrous sprays of green actinolite, rather than a separate mineral species. Actinolite is a calcium-magnesium-iron amphibole, and the surrounding quartz can preserve its radiating inclusions as the crystal grows.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Quartz with actinolite inclusions
- Scientific or material identity
- Quartz
- Classification
- Natural mineral or mineral variety
- Composition or formula
- SiO₂
- Crystal system or structure
- Trigonal
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Specific gravity
- 2.65
Origins
Pakistan · Tanzania · Canada
Appearance & optical properties
clear quartz with soft green fibrous actinolite inclusions.
History & discovery
The name actinolite comes from the Greek aktis, meaning “ray” or “beam,” a reference to the mineral’s commonly bladed, fibrous or radiating habit. Mineral collectors use “actinolite quartz” descriptively for quartz containing these inclusions; the name does not define a separate quartz variety.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Clear pieces with well-formed green inclusions are polished or faceted as collector gems, while crystal specimens are kept for their contrasting internal sprays.
- Handling and cleaning
- Clean polished pieces with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Protect them from hard knocks and do not cut, grind or abrade exposed fibrous material, since fine actinolite fibers should not be inhaled.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Actinolite Quartz jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Greenhair Ring
Ring
Fine green actinolite hairs drift inside clear quartz like waterweed.
Actinolite Sceptre
Sceptre
A ceremonial rod topped with green-haired quartz, said to call the spring rains.
Fernshadow Brooch
Brooch
A brooch shaped as a fern frond, its leaves green-threaded quartz.
Green Reed Earrings
Earrings
Imagined earrings of quartz holding fine green actinolite fibres, like reeds seen through still water.
Reedbed Collar
Necklace
An imagined gold collar of actinolite quartz beads, clear crystal full of fine green fibres like reeds under water.