Edenite [SEP] named after
Edenite
Edenite is a double chain silicate mineral of the amphibole group with the general chemical composition NaCaMg(SiAl)O(OH). Edenite is named for the locality of Edenville, Orange County, New York, where it was first described.
Occurrence.
Edenite has been found primarily in metamorphic rocks, occurring in pods of other magnesium rich minerals within a marble formation or with garnet rich lherzolites from deep within the Earth's crust. Thus, finding edenite in the field can indicate high temperature regional metamorphism of the surrounding rocks.
Uses
and importance.
While edenite is not important for commercial or industrial applications, it is often studied because of its unique chemical substitution properties. Results from research performed on amphiboles have shown that edenite is particularly suited for fitting chlorine anions into its chemical framework. This makes edenite a good candidate for use in chlorine isotope fractionation in amphibole-bearing rocks. Many synthetic variations of edenite are also used in geochemical research to produce a boron analogue of fluroedenite.
Crystal habit.
Edenite is a member of the monoclinic crystal system