tremolite
AI-assisted draft · not yet reviewed by an editor · How we check entries
Meaning
a white, grey, or pale green mineral of the amphibole group, consisting of calcium magnesium silicate.
Structure
Usage
tremolite is a fibrous mineral that can be found in certain metamorphic rocks.
due to its asbestos-like form, the inhalation of tremolite fibers is considered hazardous.
the sample contained significant quantities of actinolite and its white variant, tremolite.
Etymology
The name 'tremolite' was coined in the late 18th century, derived from the tremola valley in the swiss alps where it was first discovered. The first element, 'trem', is taken from the valley's name, which itself originates from the Latin verb tremere, meaning 'to tremble'. The second element, the scientific suffix '-olite', is derived from Greek lithos for 'stone'. Thus, the term literally means 'stone from tremola', with the root 'trem' indirectly evoking the concept of shaking, though the mineral itself is not associated with physical trembling. This naming follows the common practice in mineralogy of using geographic locations combined with a lithic suffix.
Analysis
trem - from latin tremere, meaning 'to tremble', indicating a property or characteristic. olite - from greek lithos (stone), via the scientific suffix '-lite' or '-olite', used to form names of minerals and rocks.