Ferrohornblende

Ferrohornblende is a dark-colored, inosilicate mineral belonging to the amphibole group. It's a complex silicate of iron, magnesium, calcium, and sodium, typically forming as prismatic or acicular (needle-like) crystals. The presence of iron gives Ferrohornblende its characteristic dark green to black color. It's commonly found in various igneous and metamorphic rocks, including granites, diorites, and schists, where it often occurs alongside other minerals like plagioclase feldspar, quartz, and biotite mica. The mineral's formation is closely tied to the specific geochemical conditions, particularly the presence of iron-rich environments and moderate temperatures and pressures. Ferrohornblende's composition and physical properties, such as its cleavage and hardness, allow for its identification through microscopic and physical analysis. It's a valuable rock-forming mineral, contributing to the geological understanding of rock formation and composition. The formula is NaCa2(Fe2+4Al)(Si7Al)O22(OH)2.

Ferrohornblende meaning with examples

• In the granite quarry, the geologists identified significant amounts of Ferrohornblende, noting its dark color and prismatic crystal habit. Its presence confirmed the rock's formation under specific conditions, enriching the research. Analyzing the Ferrohornblende helped estimate the overall composition of the granite and its formation history.
• Metamorphic rocks collected from the mountain range showed large, well-formed crystals of Ferrohornblende embedded within a schist matrix. This suggested the rock underwent intense pressure and temperature changes during its formation. Further study focused on the relation of ferrohornblende’s growth with that of the other surrounding minerals.
• Microscopic examination revealed that the diorite sample contained numerous small grains of Ferrohornblende, dispersed throughout the plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene matrix. The mineral's presence enabled insights into the rock's original magmatic composition and later cooling history, enhancing its geological importance.
• Geological mapping across a volcanic field indicated the presence of Ferrohornblende within some basaltic lava flows, specifically where magma had slowly cooled and partially crystallized. This presence provided clues about the evolving conditions in the magma chamber.
• A comparative study of different metamorphic rock samples highlighted variations in Ferrohornblende composition, which mirrored changes in the rock’s formation history. Different traces of elements revealed by Ferrohornblende offered essential insights into how these rocks had been formed.