Asbestos Attorney
The Various Types of Asbestos
Most individuals are unaware of the fact that there are six different minerals that are classified as “asbestos.” These minerals are:
- Chrysotile
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
- Tremolite
- Anthophyllite
- Actinolite
While these different minerals share many attributes and qualities, different asbestos minerals have been used for different products and in different industries in the past. In an attempt to better understand asbestos and where it comes from, we will examine the three most well-known types of asbestos minerals:
- Chrysotile
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
Chrysotile
Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, occurs in serpentine rocks which can be found all over the world. As opposed to other types of asbestos, the fibers occurring on chrysotile are curly as opposed to straight.
This form of asbestos is by far the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in American buildings. Additionally, since it is very malleable, chrysotile is often woven into fabrics and used in corrugated asbestos cement roof sheets.
Amostie
Amosite, or brown asbestos, is primarily found in Africa. Far less common than chrysotile, amosite has mostly been used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles due to its fire retardant properties.
Crocidolite
Like amosite, crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is found predominately in Africa, although some crocidolite has also been found in Australia. It is the fibrous form of riebeckite, a type of mineral that is most famous for its use in making curling stones.
Contact Us
Even temporary exposure to asbestos can be exceedingly dangerous. If you or someone you know has suffered from asbestos exposure, contact the asbestos attorneys of Williams Kherkher today at 800-781-3955 to speak with a qualified and experienced asbestos lawyer.
