Asbestos is a common name that describes a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals composed of hydrated magnesium silicate-groups. Its unique chemical composition, is an excellent insulator, flame retardant, high tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. It simply was the material of choice, with any purpose.
There are several major groups of asbestos.
Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos is obtained from serpentine rocks. Its chemical composition is MG3 (Si2O5) (OH) 4. This is less of friable asbestos, which is the least dangerous of all.
Amosite, also known as brown asbestos and grunerite is an amphibole from South Africa and its chemical composition is Fe7Si8O22 (OH). Its hard, spiky fibers have good tensile strength and heat resistance.
Riebeckite, also known as blue asbestos Crocidolite, is an amphibole from Africa and Australia. Its chemical composition is Na2Fe2 3 Fe3 2 Si8O22 (OH) 2. The needle-like fibers are the strongest of all asbestos fibers and have a high resistance to acids. This is the most dangerous type of asbestos because of its fibrous structure and composition.
