Containing or producing amphiboles, which are rock-forming minerals commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
From 'amphibole' (a mineral name) + '-ferous' (Latin 'ferre', to carry, bear). The mineral itself is named for its 'ambiguous' properties since it was hard to classify, giving rise to this geological descriptor.
Geologists use this word to describe rocks that are basically mineral treasure chests — certain rocks are so loaded with amphiboles that mining companies search for them! These minerals are crucial for understanding how Earth's rocks form and transform.
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