TREMOLITE VARIETY HEXAGONITE

Tremolite is a silicate mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by the chemical formula Ca2(Mg5.0-4.5Fe2+0.0-0.5)Si8O22(OH)2. It is formed through the metamorphism of sedimentary rocks that are rich in dolomite and quartz, existing in two primary forms: crystalline and fibrous. Tremolite is part of a mineral series that includes actinolite and ferro-actinolite. While pure magnesium tremolite appears creamy white, its color shifts to dark green as iron content increases, and it has a hardness rating of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Nephrite, a green crystalline variant of tremolite, is one of the two minerals classified as jade.

The fibrous variant of tremolite is recognized as one of the six types of asbestos. This form is hazardous, as inhalation of its fibers can result in serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Fibrous tremolite may also be present as a contaminant in materials such as vermiculite, chrysotile (another asbestos type), and talc.