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Amphibole Asbestos Minerals

The term “Amphibole” (also known as quadrilateral) defines a group of rock forming minerals, dark in color and containing ions of iron or magnesium in their content. Asbestos amphibole defines the crocidolite, tremolite and amosite group. The three are the most common cause of mesothelioma through asbestos exposure.

Amphibole asbestos fibers

The chemical formula of asbestos amphibole mineral is X2Y5Si8O22 (OH)2. Amphibole asbestos has increased hardness characteristics and is known for its’ extreme heat resistance. Of the three asbestos types mentioned above, tremolite asbestos is the only white colored and presenting with amphibole cleavage. The other two types, amosite asbestos and crocidolite asbestos are usually darker in color and present a very fibrous construction, but are a little softer compared to tremolite.

Amphibole minerals uses

Asbestos exposure cancer is becoming a common disease because the use of amphibole asbestos minerals is quite widely spread. Here are some of the uses and occurrences of amphibole asbestos fibers:

  • Occurs naturally in rock-making minerals, both in metamorphic and igneous ones.
  • Mostly used as insulation and construction material
  • Found in the production process of many industrial items, such as prefabricated materials and chemical industry objects

Why are amphibole usually black or dark green?

Amphibole asbestos minerals that are dark green in color come from areas that have a high humidity level. Moss and algae tend to grow on the amphibole asbestos formations giving them the dark green color.

Amphibole asbestos minerals are grouped together using thin section pottery. This is done in research centers around the world where scientists test all types of amphibole in order to help develop treatment methods for the health problems the tiny fibers cause. So far, researchers discovered that only some amphibole asbestos minerals are harmful and only under specific circumstances.

The largest problems caused by amphibole asbestos minerals are found in the United States and some southern regions of Canada. In these regions amphibole minerals often occur naturally, become disturbed by an animal and release the tiny fibers. People taking a walk in the woods or just resting by the side of the road, near an asbestos mineral deposit are at risk. Also, mining stations and large factories located in these areas use a lot of amphibole asbestos minerals in their manufacturing or extraction methods.

Please feel free to contact asbestos cancer organization if you require any kind of assistance. We will gladly help you, and we assure you that it won’t cost a thing.