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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Actinolite
An amphibole-group mineral species that, together with tremolite, is a constituent mineral of “nephrite” in the Chinese national standard; finished products of fibrous material need a compliance assessment. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Actinolite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify ActinoliteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of Actinolite1 registered treatments: status, stability, how common they are and identification leads
- Caring for and wearing ActinoliteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of ActinoliteEach value with its source and check date
- Actinolite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of ActinoliteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing ActinoliteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define ActinoliteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Actinolite, Ca2(Mg,Fe2+)5Si8O22(OH)2, belongs to the calcic amphiboles. Low-grade metamorphism, whether regional or of the contact type, acting on magnesium carbonate rocks, mafic rocks or ultramafic rocks is what produces it, and it also appears in blueschists that contain glaucophane. The key relationship is substitution of Fe for Mg: actinolite, tremolite and ferro-actinolite together make up one solid-solution series. Within it actinolite occupies the iron-rich portion, with Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) near 0.5-0.89, whereas the magnesium-rich end, at Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) of at least 0.90, is tremolite. Actinolite and tremolite should therefore not be seen as two unrelated minerals; they are the Fe-rich and Mg-rich extremes of a single series.
Scope: Applies to the genesis, composition, solid-solution series and occurrence of actinolite as a natural calcic amphibole mineral species; does not cover synthetic materials.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Regional or contact metamorphism at low grade, acting on magnesium carbonate, mafic and ultramafic rocks
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Glaucophane-bearing blueschists
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Fibrous (possibly asbestiform) aggregates and massive bodies
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
Magnesium carbonate, mafic or ultramafic rocks undergo low-grade regional or contact metamorphism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Actinolite crystallizes during metamorphism, commonly as bladed or columnar crystals, also radiating fibrous to asbestiform.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In blueschist settings actinolite occurs with glaucophane and related minerals.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Via Fe-Mg substitution, actinolite forms a solid-solution series with tremolite and ferro-actinolite (actinolite the Fe-rich, tremolite the Mg-rich end).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Actinolite is bright green to grayish green (colorless to deep green in thin section), with a white streak and vitreous to silky luster; its fibrous aggregates are silky, and nephrite jade consists of tightly intergrown fibrous crystals of this series.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The source states no absolute geological timescale for actinolite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Supporting findings
Actinolite develops through low-grade metamorphism — regional or contact — acting on magnesium-rich carbonate rocks, mafic rocks or ultramafic rocks; it is additionally encountered in blueschists that carry glaucophane.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes actinolite's metamorphic origin; not laboratory synthesis.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Actinolite is commonly associated with talc, epidote, chlorite, glaucophane, pumpellyite, lawsonite and albite.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes actinolite's typical associations; not all localities share them.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Asia
- Kunlun Mountains, Xinjiang, ChinaHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence ("fine material")
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Mt. Greiner, Zillertal, Tyrol, Austria
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Snarum, Norway
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Arendal, Norway
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Ural Mountains, Russia
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Gouverneur, New York, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Franklin and Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Chester, Vermont, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Fairfax quarry, Centreville, Virginia, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Crestmore, Riverside County, California, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- South and east of Lander, Fremont County, Wyoming, United StatesHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- North of Cape San Martin, Monterey County, California, United StatesHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Jade Mountain, Kobuk River, Alaska, United StatesHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Fraser River, British Columbia, CanadaHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Oceania
- Mt. Cook area, South Island, New ZealandHoM lists as a nephrite jade occurrence
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
Actinolite's English name derives from a Greek word for 'ray', alluding to the radiating fibrous habit the mineral commonly shows.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Actinolite has the formula Ca2(Mg,Fe2+)5Si8O22(OH)2 and belongs to the calcic amphibole group.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes actinolite's composition and group; actual composition varies with solid solution.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Actinolite forms one solid-solution series with tremolite and ferro-actinolite via Fe-Mg substitution; actinolite is the Fe-rich end (Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) about 0.5-0.89) and tremolite the Mg-rich end (Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) >= 0.90), so the two are not unrelated minerals.
Evidence grade BScope: Defines the actinolite-tremolite solid-solution relation; the actual Mg/Fe ratio requires measured composition.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source states no absolute geological timescale for actinolite formation.
- The source records the habit as 'radiating fibrous to asbestiform'; accordingly, fibrous/asbestiform actinolite (actinolite asbestos) is a high-risk material to be managed under health-and-safety practice, avoiding inhalation of its fibres. This is a conservative health note only, not an exposure limit.
- The specific Mg/Fe ratio distinguishing actinolite from tremolite requires measured composition.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Actinolite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Actinolite” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Actinolite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Actinolite is Actinolite; use "Actinolite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.2, row 阳起石 (Actinolite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Actinolite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Actinolite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Actinolite, p.32; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Actinolite — care (chemicals): dissolves on contact with solvents such as nail varnish remover; keep it away from all solvents and other strong chemicals.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code i
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Actinolite, p.32; §6.2 i (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Actinolite — care (wear): Some stones are prone to scratching due to low hardness. Wear them with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code a
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Actinolite, p.32; §6.2 a (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
Care conclusions for Actinolite come from the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022): dyed Actinolite must not be cleaned ultrasonically; Actinolite in any treatment state dissolves on contact with solvents such as nail varnish remover, so keep it away from all solvents and other strong chemicals; and Actinolite in any treatment state has low hardness and scratches easily, so wear it with care.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Contact with acids, alkalis and household chemicals | dissolves on contact with solvents such as nail varnish remover; keep it away from all solvents and other strong chemicals |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | care (wear) |
Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
any treatment state
- dissolves on contact with solvents such as nail varnish remover; keep it away from all solvents and other strong chemicals §6.2 i
- care (wear) §6.2 a
treated (Only after these treatments: dyeing)
- care (cleaning) §6.2 j
Durability and wearing
Treatments and identification leads
Registered treatmentsThe registered treatment for Actinolite is dyeing. Stability and frequencyDyeing has the status treated, its stability is “unstable”, and it is rare on the market. Values not givenIts identification leads and source are both shown as “—”, meaning the cited source gives no value, not “none”. SyntheticsThere is no synthetic Actinolite on the market.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dyeingStatus: treated | rarely | unstable | — | — | — |
Where each treatment acts (schematics): Dyed
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Recommended listing nameThe suggested listing name for Actinolite is "Actinolite", and the Chinese formal name corresponds to it, taken from the "Nephrite" row of GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2; the mineralogical name is Actinolite. Names in four languagesThe four-language names cover Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Actinolite) and Japanese, and the GSJ (Japan) formal name is the Japanese name for actinolite. Institution usageOn authority wording, the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 lists Actinolite; the FTC text has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A have not been checked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 緑閃石
- Chinese formal name
- 阳起石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2, row “Nephrite”)
- Mineralogical name
- Actinolite
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 阳起石
- 繁體中文
- 陽起石
- English
- Actinolite
- 日本語
- アクチノライト／緑閃石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Actinolite is a mineral species of the amphibole group, with the chemical composition Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. It occurs as crystalline aggregates, commonly fibrous; Mohs hardness is 5–6, cleavage is usually not seen in aggregates, and density is 2.95–3.1 g/cm³ (derived from the clause value of 3.00 with an allowed deviation of +0.10/−0.05). Optically it is an anisotropic aggregate, with a refractive index of 1.6–1.655 (derived from the clause value of 1.614–1.641 with an allowed deviation of ±0.014); birefringence cannot be measured in aggregates, and transparency ranges from transparent to opaque. The UV-Vis spectrum shows a weak absorption peak at 503 nm, the mid-infrared region shows the characteristic infrared absorption bands of actinolite, and a cat's-eye effect may be seen. In untreated actinolite, pleochroism cannot be measured in aggregates, no fluorescence is observed, magnification shows a fibrous structure and mineral inclusions, and the lustre is vitreous.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Actinolite — nomenclature status: IMA status Rd: redefined (a mineral already known, given a new definition in the IMA era).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Actinolite — composition (chemistry): Ca2 (Mg,Fe) 5Si8O22 (OH) 2
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — composition (phase): actinolite (amphibole group)
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Actinolite — structure (overall): an aggregate of crystals, usually fibrous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Actinolite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — cleavage: generally not seen on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
For Actinolite, the stability of dyeing is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- dyeing
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Actinolite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Physical properties
Actinolite — density: 2.95–3.1 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.00, with a stated tolerance of +0.10 / -0.05. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Actinolite — optic character: anisotropic aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — refractive index: 1.6–1.655
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.614–1.641, with a stated tolerance of ±0.014. The range shown here is worked out from that.
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — birefringence: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — transparency: transparent to opaque.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Actinolite — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — fluorescence (overall): none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — spectrum (UV-visible): 503 nm weak absorption peak
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — spectrum (infrared): Actinolite's own diagnostic absorption bands show up in the mid-IR
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Actinolite — magnification: fibre-like texture, mineral inclusions
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Actinolite — body colour: light to dark green, yellow-green and black.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Epidote, Serpentine, Emerald and other variety clauses also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Actinolite — body colour: Light to dark green, yellowish green, black.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Andradite, Chrysoprase, Demantoid and other entries also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
The two entries agree: light to dark green, yellowish green and black.
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy
Quality factors
Actinolite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.12 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.627 / 3.03; Closest values: 1Brazilianite 1.611 / 2.97, 2Lazulite 1.627 / 3.12, 3Amblygonite 1.607 / 3.02, 4Datolite 1.646 / 2.95, 5Dushan Yu / Dushan Jade 1.63 / 2.9
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
Among the tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for Actinolite, the key item to check is dyeing; the protocol's note on testing methods is a special optical effect: chatoyancy. No synthetic counterpart of Actinolite is available on the market. For Actinolite in trade, the reported frequency of dyed Actinolite is “rarely”.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.1.
How far testing can go
Actinolite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Actinolite in trade, the reported frequency of dyeing is “rarely”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Actinolite — what the CIBJO laboratory protocol says to watch for: dye
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Actinolite — notes on test methods in the CIBJO laboratory protocol:
| Test method | What the protocol notes for it |
|---|---|
| Phenomena: | Cat’s-eye |
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Actinolite is listed directly in CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the entry name Actinolite, defined as mineral group amphibole, mineral species actinolite, IMA status Rd, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page; the cross-check result is that it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex. The IMA Mineral List entry likewise lists it as Actinolite, giving the chemical formula Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe2+0.5-2.5)Si8O22(OH)2, status Rd and 2012 s.p.; it has been cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list, and the source is marked as public domain data.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actinolite | 7.2.1.2 | Light to dark green, yellowish green, black; transparent to opaque; may show chatoyancy | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Actinolite | IMA Mineral List entry | Actinolite ☐Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe2+0.5-2.5)Si8O22(OH)2 Rd 2012 s.p. | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Actinolite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.