Asbestos Overview
Hazardous Properties and Their Effects
Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful properties, such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high-tensile strength. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope.Asbestos differs from other minerals in its crystal development. The crystal formation of asbestos is in the form of long, thin fibers. Asbestos is divided into two mineral groups — serpentine and amphibole. The division between the two types of asbestos is based upon the crystalline structure. Serpentines…
