The hornblende root name is in a mineralogical sense as amphiboles in the calcium amphibole subgroup with
A(Na+K+2Ca)≤0.5 apfu and 0,5≤
Z(Al + Fe
3+ +2Ti)≤1.5 apfu. The individual members of the group are defined by their dominant elements in the Z and W positions:
Z
2+ position (= IMA C
2+ position): Mg or Fe
2+Z
3+ position (= IMA C
3+ position): Al or Fe
3+W position: (OH) or F
On mindat.org we avoid using variables with the same symbol as elements and deviate from the IMA nomenclaure in that we use X rather than B, Z rather than C and (OH,F,Cl,O) rather than W.
The hornblende root name is an IMA-CNMNC defined amphibole root-name with strict chemical boundaries. It should not be confused with the more loosely defined "
hornblende", which is a term used by petrologists and mineral collectors for any black or dark coloured undefined amphibole in the calcium (and sometimes in the sodium-calcium) subgroups.