What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is divided into two mineralogical groups. Not all varieties of asbestos are used commercially.

The first group is known as the amphibole family. The family includes crocidilite (“blue asbestos”), amosite (“brown asbestos”), tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Among the various types of amphibole fibers, only crocidilite and amosite were used in commercial products. However, the “noncommercial” amphibole fibers (tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite) may be present as contaminants in commercial products that use chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc.

The serpentine group is the other mineralogical group of asbestos, and includes only the chrysotile variety of asbestos. Despite its hazardous properties, chrysotile was very popular with industry. It accounts for over 90% of the commercial asbestos used in the United States.

Source: PATHOLOGY OF ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES (Victor L. Roggli et al. eds., 2004).

Asbestos: A Historical Overview