Anthophyllite

☐Mg₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

Anthophyllite generally occurs as long prismatic crystals, as parallel aggregates or bunches, or as fibrous masses in magnesium-rich metamorphic rocks. Colour is usually greenish or brown. It can be difficult to distinguish visually from other dark amphiboles.

Selected Australian Occurrences:

• At a number of localities in the Strangways Range, Northern Territory.
• As a grey asbestiform habit near Cowell, South Australia.
• In bunches up to 200mm wide at Savage River, Tasmania.
• As fibrous material from a few cm up to 50cm long at a number of Western Australian localities.