Calcium-magnesium amphibole forming white to light green elongated crystals. Fibrous varieties are a form of asbestos. Color: White, gray, light green. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in two directions at 56°. Hardness: 5-6. Transparency: Translucent. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Ca₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂ OH ₂. Specific gravity: 2.9-3.1. Formation: Forms during metamorphism of siliceous dolomitic limestones at moderate temperatures and pressures. Common geological settings: Alps, Canada, USA, Myanmar; found in metamorphosed dolomites and marbles. Common look-alikes and related entries: Actinolite, Wollastonite, Diopside. Specimen safety: Some fibrous habits or varieties in this mineral group may be asbestos. Treat any fibrous specimen as suspect: do not disturb, break, brush, cut, grind, or clean it. Isolate it in a closed, clearly labelled container and seek qualified local guidance.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:45.928396+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Asbestos fact sheet — U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Official guidance on asbestos fibre release, health risks, exposure prevention, and respiratory protection.
Calcium-magnesium amphibole forming white to light green elongated crystals. Fibrous varieties are a form of asbestos.
How can you identify Tremolite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, gray, light green; lustre: Vitreous to silky; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 5-6; cleavage: Good in two directions at 56°; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Tremolite form?
Forms during metamorphism of siliceous dolomitic limestones at moderate temperatures and pressures.
Where is Tremolite commonly found?
Alps, Canada, USA, Myanmar; found in metamorphosed dolomites and marbles.
Is Tremolite safe to handle?
Some fibrous habits or varieties in this mineral group may be asbestos. Treat any fibrous specimen as suspect: do not disturb, break, brush, cut, grind, or clean it. Isolate it in a closed, clearly labelled container and seek qualified local guidance. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Tremolite commonly confused with?
Tremolite may be confused with Actinolite, Wollastonite, Diopside. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.
