Anthophyllite – Definition & Meaning

Anthophyllite is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group. It is a rare silicate mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks. The name anthophyllite comes from the Greek words “anthos” meaning flower and “phyllon” meaning leaf. This mineral has a unique structure and composition that makes it valuable in many industries.

Definitions

Anthophyllite is a mineral that is composed of magnesium, iron, silicon, and oxygen. It is a member of the amphibole group of minerals and has a chemical formula of (Mg,Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2. Anthophyllite is a rare mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss. It is also found in some igneous rocks such as granite and syenite.

Origin

Anthophyllite was first discovered in 1855 in Norway. It was named by the Norwegian mineralogist Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand. The mineral has since been found in many other countries including the United States, Canada, Russia, and South Africa.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anthophyllite is defined as “a mineral that is a silicate of magnesium and iron and occurs in long, slender, prismatic crystals or in fibrous aggregates.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines anthophyllite as “a mineral of the amphibole group, occurring in greenish-grey or brownish-black prisms or fibres.”

Associations

Anthophyllite is associated with many other minerals including garnet, staurolite, and kyanite. It is often found in metamorphic rocks such as schist, gneiss, and marble. Anthophyllite is also found in some igneous rocks such as granite and syenite.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of anthophyllite include:

  • Magnesiocummingtonite.
  • Ferroanthophyllite.
  • Magnesiohornblende.
  • Ferrohornblende.

Antonyms

As a mineral, anthophyllite does not have any antonyms.

The same root words

The root words of anthophyllite are “anthos” meaning flower and “phyllon” meaning leaf. These same root words are found in other words such as:

  • Anthocyanin: a pigment that gives flowers and fruits their red, purple, and blue colors.
  • Chlorophyll: a green pigment found in plants that is responsible for photosynthesis.
  • Phyllotaxis: the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem.

Example Sentences

  • The anthophyllite crystals in this rock are beautiful.
  • Anthophyllite is a rare mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks.
  • The mineralogist identified the anthophyllite in the sample using a microscope.
  • The anthophyllite in this rock is associated with garnet and staurolite.
  • The anthophyllite in this igneous rock is unusual.
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