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Amphibole
Amphibole class fibers are needle like. Amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite are members of the amphibole class.
Amosite
Amosite, often referred to as brown asbestos is seen under a microscope as a grey-white vitreous fiber. It is found most frequently as a fire retardant in thermal insulation products, asbestos insulating board and ceiling tiles and other thermal insulation products
Crocidolite
Crocidolite, commonly known as blue asbestos, is the fibrous form of the amphibole class Crocidolite is seen under a microscope as a blue fiber and commonly occurs as soft friable fibers
Crocidolite asbestos was most commonly used in the insulation of steam engines and piping, along with spray on coatings and plastics and cement products.
Tremolite
Different to the main types of asbestos, Tremolite is actually found as a contaminant in Chrysotile asbestos. Otherwise known as an amphibole, Tremolite is a fibrous mineral which has strong connections with cases of malignant mesothelioma during the 1960’s and 70’s.
Actinolite
Probably the least known group of asbestos, Actinolite asbestos is extremely rare, and contains concentrated levels of magnesium. Unlike many of the other types of asbestos, Actinolite asbestos can come in a range of colours, from green and blue to white or yellow, so it can be much harder to identify. Because this was only produced in much smaller quantities, it was rarely used in construction by itself, however there are many products that contain high trace amounts of Actinolite. This type of asbestos was commonly incorporated into children’s toys, sealants, dry wall and asbestos concrete.
Anthophyllite
Similar to Tremolite asbestos, Anthophyllite is classified as an amphibole. Due to the miniscule form of this type of asbestos, Anthophyllite is amongst the most likely to be inhaled. Like Tremolite, this type of asbestos was most commonly found as part of other asbestos forms, with trace amounts found in products such as talc.
Serpentine
Serpentine class fibers are curly. Chrysotile, is the only asbestos classed as a serpentine fiber. It is obtained from serpentinite rocks which are common throughout the world. Chrysotile appears under the microscope as a white fiber.
Chrysotile asbestos can still commonly be found, and is usually in places such as roofing, ceilings, walls and flooring in both commercial and domestic buildings. Another place Chrysotile was used was in the brake linings, pads and gaskets of vehicles
