Actinolite: description, properties and application

Actinolite belongs to the rock-forming minerals of the amphibole group (the crystal structure is built of double chains), and it belongs to the class of silicates. The name of the stone is derived from Greek words, which in translation means "radiant stone." Of course, the mineral received such a name for a reason, in it you can notice a large number of needle crystals and rays. Actinolite was popular among many nations in antiquity, but its official registration took place only in 1794.

The natural range of this mineral is quite wide. It is found in Austria, Switzerland, some US states (California, Alaska, Virginia and others). It can also be found in Canada, Italy, Tanzania, Brazil, on the island of Madagascar, in Ukraine. In Russia, actinolite is mined in the Southern Urals, in Karelia and Primorye.

The color of the stone varies from gray-green to shades of dark green. These paints actinolite gives the presence of iron in it. The mineral has a glass or silky sheen and translucency. The hardness of the stone on the Mohs scale is 5.5-6, which is an average. Actinolite is also characterized by great fragility, a stepped fracture, it has perfect cleavage and monoclinic syngony.

Its chemical composition is quite variable. The stone is mainly composed of iron and silicon, but may contain impurities of elements such as magnesium, aluminum, potassium, manganese.Actinolite is characterized by acid resistance.

There are some of the most famous varieties of this stone.

• Nephritis. Mineral has a fibrous structure. The color of this stone has a wide range of colors: it can be whitish, emerald, dark brown. Jade is a very popular gemstone. In China, it is revered as a national since ancient times.

• Amphibole asbestos or amiant. It has straight needle-shaped fibers and belongs to complex hydrosilicates. It is a carcinogen, inhalation of its particles is harmful to human health. Therefore, at present, such a stone is rarely used in the construction industry.

• Smaragdite. This mineral looks very much like an emerald, painted in a bright green color. The name comes from the old Russian word "smaragd", which meant "emerald stone." This mineral is very rare, and therefore has a high jewelry value.

Actinolite is an easy-to-process stone, for this reason it is widely used in the jewelry industry. Samples with a transparent structure are used to decorate rings, brooches, rings, pendants, make spectacular souvenir balls, opaque ones go for the production of beads, necklaces, bracelets. Small beads are suitable for embroidery. Unusually shaped stones are greatly appreciated by collectors of minerals.

This mineral is widely used to treat many diseases of the skin: lichen, fungus, eczema. To do this, silver-framed actinolite bracelets are worn on both hands until they feel better. If there are problems with the skin of the head and the condition of the hair, it is recommended to wear earrings with this healing stone. This mineral provides the coordinated work of the heart and blood vessels, supports the health of joints, spine, respiratory organs. Stones with a rich green color treat minor mental disorders and depression.

In different countries, various magic properties are attributed to actinolite. In Africa, with the help of this stone, a guilty person is discovered. It is believed that in the hands of a criminal the mineral loses its luster. In China, there is a belief that it is impossible to bring the found actinolite to the house so that the fate of the person who lost it does not pass on to the finder. In the Urals, local residents have always believed that this stone attracts wealth and good fortune to the house, and is also capable of fulfilling innermost desires.

Actinolite has long been considered one of the favorite stones of magicians, shamans, sorcerers. You can only buy it yourself, you can’t sell and donate, so as not to give others your luck.

Actinolite is also surprising in that it fits all the signs of the zodiac without exception. But his main favorites are Sagittarius and Aquarius. The stone generously gives these signs success and prosperity in any undertakings. But we must remember that it is better to buy a mineral in a frame of silver, and be sure to do it yourself.

Currently, actinolite can be obtained artificially. In addition, there are minerals very similar to it. It’s very difficult to distinguish a fake by eye, so remember a few tricks on how to identify the authenticity of this stone:

• if you hold actinolite over the candle flame, it will not melt;
• an original placed in acid will never change its color and structure.

Remember that this mineral is very fragile, protect it from shock and squeezing. Clear stones should be worn especially carefully. It is recommended to store actinolite separately from other stones in a bag made of soft cloth. This mineral is not very important ambient temperature and sunlight. It tolerates high temperatures and heat well.

Actinolite is an inexpensive and attractive stone that positively affects the physical and spiritual state of a person. If you need a powerful talisman, then opt for this unique mineral.

You can look at quartz with inclusions of actinolite further.