Amphibole Group

Classification:

Amphibole minerals are common silicate minerals in the lithosphere and can exist in a fibrous form due to their specific structure. Some of the amphibole minerals are called asbestos , if they are of technological interest; for details, see under the heading asbestos .

Synonyms/Trade Names:

Asbestos, Hornblende, a mixed form containing pargasite/hastingsite and tschermakite/ferrotschermakite; minerals, belonging to the amphiboles as described under the headings: arfvedsonite, barroisite, dannemorite, eckermannite, gedrite, grunerite, holmquistite, kozulite, nephrite, richterite and tirodite; asbestos minerals and their corresponding mineralogical name are related as follows:

Asbestos mineral Mineralogical name
Blue-Asbestos or Cro Riebeckite
Amosite Asbestos Grunerite
Tremolite Asbestos Tremolite
Amiante Actinolite

Chemistry/Composition:

The general formula is AB1.5-2.5C((OH,F)/Si4O11) with normally: A= Na, Ca, Mg, Li, Mn, Fe2+ B= Mg, Fe2+, Fe3+, Al, Ti, Mn, Cr, Li, ZnC= Al, Fe3+, Si .
The ions can be substituted, leading to a few mixed crystal systems:cummingtonite and grunerite (Mg,Fe)7(OH/Si4O11)
tremolite and actinolite Ca2(Mg,Fe)5((OH,F)/Si4O11) riebeckite and magnesio-riebeckite Na2(Mg,Fe)3Fe3+2((OH,F)/Si4O11)
magnesio-riebeckite and glaukophane Na2Mg3Al2((OH,F)/Si4O11)with crossite Na2Mg3(Al,Fe3+)2((OH,F)/Si4O11)
edenite-ferroedenite NaCa2(Mg,Fe)5((OH,F)/AlSi7O22)
pargasite-hastingsite NaCa2(Mg,Fe)4(Al,Fe3+)((OH,F)/Al2Si6O22)
tschermakite-ferrotschermakite 3+Ca2(Mg,Fe)3(Al,Fe)2((OH,F)/Al2Si6O22) .

Structure:

The silicon and aluminum atoms containing oxygen tetrahedra are linked and form chains. Two of these chains are bonded, respectively, and form a double chain, which is built by rings of six-membered tetrahedra. Two tetrahedral belong to the two neighboring rings, respectively, and only two of them to the ring itself. The chains can be described by the chemical formula (Si4O11)n.
The separated chains are bonded by cations and partially by hydroxyl ions. In relation to the diameter of the bonding cations, the structure deviates from an ideal orthorhombus. The minor cations form a monoclinic structure containing larger cations such as Ca, Na, and K.

Crystallographic Constants:

As listed under specific headings.

Crystal Group:

As listed under specific headings.

Color:

As listed under specific headings.

Optical Properties:

As listed under specific headings.

Pleochroism:

As listed under specific headings.

Powder Diagram:

As listed under specific headings.

Natural Sources:

As listed under specific headings.

Medical Importance:

Key Hazards:

Fibrogenic, carcinogenic.

Involved Organs:

Lung, peritoneum, skin, kidneys.

Exposure/Epidemiology:

The amphibole minerals are of great technical interest. Their fibrous form is related to specific physical properties such as heat resistance, electrical insulation, etc. Important sources of exposure are shipyards, manufacture of fire-resistant textiles, sheets, automobile brakes, filters for various fluids, etc. For details, see under the heading asbestos.

Thresholds:

See under the heading asbestos .

Etiology/Pathophysiology:

The inhaled fibers activate complement-derived chemotactic activity on alveolar surfaces, pneumocytes, macrophages, and mesothelial cells. Immunologic compartments such as interleukines and tumor necrosis factor are probably involved. For details, see under the heading asbestos .

Lung Diseases:

All amphibole s can crystallize in fibrous varieties and can induce interstitial lung fibrosis, pleural diseases such as fibrosis, pleural plaques, benign and malignant tumors of the lung, pleura, peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, lymphatic system, and kidneys. For details, see under the heading asbestos .

Clinical Presentation:

Chronic cough and shortness of breath during physical exercise are usually the first symptoms; chest pain is often associated with pleural tumors.

Radiology:

Chest radiographs are often normal in patients with early changes. Others may display diffuse interstitial densities, pleural thickening or effusion.

Lung Function:

Progressive restrictive changes or severe obstructive alterations are seen.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage:

The inhaled mineral fibers can be analyzed and quantified in the lavage fluid. Increased levels of complement C5 or altered ratio of the T4/T8 lymphocytes correspond with the activity of the fibrotic lesions.

Pathology:

Gross:

The lungs may display an increased consistency, a thickened and fibrotic pleura, honeycombing, or circumscribed white-yellowish tumor masses. For details, see under the heading asbestos .

Histology:

The fibers are birefringent and often coated with iron-protein mucopolysaccharide substances (asbestos or ferruginous bodies). They are usually deposited in the distant airways and can be ingested by macrophages. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis associated with scattered mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates and acellular collagenous fibers in the pleura are common findings. Benign and malignant tumors of various cell types (most frequently common lung carcinoma and mesothelioma) can develop. For details, see under the heading asbestos .

Prognosis:

Usually poor due to serious sequelae.

Additional Diseases:

See under the heading asbestos .

References:

search Pubmed for Amphibole Group


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