What is hornblende mineral?

Hornblende is a member of the amphibole group of more complex silicates, in which the tetrahedra are linked to form a continuous chain twice the width of the pyroxene chains. For this reason they are often referred to as double chain silicates.

Does hornblende have any special properties?

Hornblende has a hardness of 5–6, a specific gravity of 2.9–3.4 and is typically an opaque green, greenish-brown, brown or black color. Its cleavage angles are at 56 and 124 degrees.

What is unique about hornblende?

Other unique features of hornblende include the dark to almost black color. Varieties: The independent elements within hornblende are in such small abundance that they often are just blanketed with the term hornblende to describe them (1). Certain hornblendes contain potassium, titanium, and fluoride.

Which mineral is often called hornblende?

aluminum amphiboles
Hornblende is a group name used to describe Ferro-hornblende and Magnesio-hornblende, but the term is generally more inclusive for all calcium aluminum amphiboles. (Hornblende is frequently also used to describe any dark, opaque amphibole mineral without individual analysis.)

What are the uses of the mineral hornblende?

The mineral hornblende has very few uses. Its primary use might be as a mineral specimen. However, hornblende is the most abundant mineral in a rock known as amphibolite which has a large number of uses. It is crushed and used for highway construction and as railroad ballast. It is cut for use as dimension stone.

How is hornblende used as a field name?

Description: Hornblende as a mineral name has been recently discredited. Here it is used as a field name for any dark amphibole for which the exact composition has not been determined. In the past black amphiboles were often identified as hornblende without x-ray or microprobe verification.

Where can you find hornblende in a metamorphic environment?

Hornblende is a major rock-forming mineral found in many different types of metamorphic and igneous environments. Hornblende is usually an uninteresting gangue material, especially when it is confused with ore minerals due to its shiny luster. Good crystals are infrequent and are used as collector’s material when found.

Which is the best description of the hornblende group?

The hornblende Mineral Group. Hornblende is a group name used to describe Ferro-hornblende and Magnesio-hornblende, but the term is generally more inclusive for all calcium aluminum amphiboles.