Cummingtonite grunerite is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group. Its name is derived from the town of Cummington, Massachusetts, where it was first discovered, and grunerite, the original name given to this mineral. The spelling of cummingtonite grunerite is [ˌkʌmɪŋtənaɪt ˈɡruːnəraɪt]. The word "cummingtonite" is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, and the "g" in "grunerite" is silent. The correct spelling of this mineral is crucial in the field of geology and earth sciences.
Cummingtonite grunerite is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group, which is a class of complex silicate minerals. It is a fibrous mineral that typically occurs in metamorphic rocks, especially those formed under high-pressure conditions or in the presence of iron-rich fluids.
The mineral is named after its discovery location in Cummington, Massachusetts, United States, and grunerite after the Swiss mineralogist Emmanuel Gruner. Cummingtonite grunerite has a chemical formula of Fe7Si8O22(OH)2, which indicates its composition as predominantly iron (Fe) combined with silicon (Si), oxygen (O), and hydroxyl (OH) ions.
Cummingtonite grunerite exhibits a dark green to black color, with a glassy or vitreous luster. It forms long, thin and prismatic crystals that are often densely interwoven or fibrous, giving it a characteristic silky or asbestiform appearance. Its hardness ranges between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable.
This mineral is commonly found in iron-rich metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses. It often occurs alongside other minerals like garnet, quartz, and feldspar. Cummingtonite grunerite is also associated with environments that have experienced high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, such as some hydrothermal veins.
Because of its fibrous nature, cummingtonite grunerite has been mined as a source of asbestos in the past. However, it is important to note that exposure to asbestos fibers can have severe health risks and is associated with diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Thus, its mining and use have been heavily regulated or banned in many
The word "Cummingtonite" is named after the town of Cummington in western Massachusetts, United States. It was first discovered in this location in the 19th century by James Dwight Dana, an American mineralogist, and geologist. The name "Cummingtonite" was given to the mineral in honor of the town where it was found.
The word "Grunerite" comes from the name of the Austrian geologist and mineralogist, Axel Erdmann Constantin Gruner. Gruner is known for his contributions to the study of minerals and rocks, particularly in the 19th century. The mineral "Grunerite" was named after him to commemorate his work and achievements in the field of mineralogy.