Hornblende - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Hornblende :  (noun)

1: a green to black mineral of the amphibole group; consists of silicates of calcium and sodium and magnesium and iron

Based on WordNet 2.0

Amphibole \Am"phi*bole\ ([a^]m"f[i^]*b[=o]l), n. [Gr. 'amfi`bolos doubtful, equivocal, fr. 'amfiba`llein to throw round, to doubt: cf. F. amphibole. Ha["u]y so named the genus from the great variety of color and composition assumed by the mineral.] (Min.) A common mineral embracing many varieties varying in color and in composition. It occurs in monoclinic crystals; also massive, generally with fibrous or columnar structure. The color varies from white to gray, green, brown, and black. It is a silicate of magnesium and calcium, with usually aluminium and iron. Some common varieties are tremolite, actinolite, asbestus, edenite, hornblende (the last name being also used as a general term for the whole species). Amphibole is a constituent of many crystalline rocks, as syenite, diorite, most varieties of trachyte, etc. See Hornblende.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Hornblende : \Horn"blende`\, n. [G., fr. horn horn _ blende blende.] (Min.) The common black, or dark green or brown, variety of amphibole. (See Amphibole.) It belongs to the aluminous division of the species, and is also characterized by its containing considerable iron. Also used as a general term to include the whole species.

Hornblende schist (Geol.), a hornblende rock of schistose structure.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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