amphibole

Thân thiện

A geologist examines a dark green amphibole crystal under bright light.

Definition

Noun: 1. A member of the amphibole group of minerals: A silicate mineral characterized by a double-chain structure of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, typically containing calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum. Amphiboles are common rock-forming minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. 2. The specific mineral variety: The term can also refer specifically to the mineral species "amphibole" within this broader group, though it is more commonly used as a group name.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hornblende is the most common amphibole found in granite and diorite.
  • Geologists identified the dark, elongated crystals in the rock sample as amphibole.
  • The presence of amphibole minerals can influence the physical properties of the rock.

Advanced Usage

• "Amphibole asbestos": Refers to a subset of asbestos minerals, like tremolite or actinolite, which belong to the amphibole group and have a needle-like crystal habit. This type is considered more hazardous than chrysotile (serpentine asbestos).
  • Regulations are strict due to the health risks associated with amphibole asbestos fibers.

Variants and Related Words

• Amphibolic (adj): Pertaining to or composed of amphibole minerals.
  • The schist has an amphibolic composition.
• Amphibole group (noun phrase): The collective name for this mineral family, including hornblende, actinolite, tremolite, glaucophane, and others.

Synonyms

• Hornblende (a specific and very common member of the amphibole group).
• Double-chain silicate (descriptive term for its crystal structure).

Notes on Different Meanings

The word amphibole is highly specialized with a single, precise meaning in geology and mineralogy. It does not have common idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its primary definition is as a noun describing a specific group of silicate minerals.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group