Monday, March 13, 2023

Riebeckite



Riebeckite is a mineral belonging to the amphibole group. It is a sodium-rich silicate mineral with the chemical formula Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2. Riebeckite is typically dark blue or black in color, and has a prismatic crystal habit with striations on the prism faces. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6 and a specific gravity of 3.2-3.4.
Riebeckite is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, especially in granites, syenites, and gneisses. It is also a common constituent of blue asbestos, which is a type of fibrous mineral that is widely used in building materials and insulation.
Exposure to riebeckite-containing asbestos has been linked to serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. As a result, the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries.




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