Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses excellent heat shielding and insulating properties. Thus, the mineral finds use in a variety of products, like drywall tape, gaskets, insulation, floor and ceiling tiles as well as in automotive products, such as clutch plates and brake pads.

Classifying Asbestos

At least six naturally occurring Asbestos have been identified to date. Each of the six different types belongs to either of the two categories – amphibole or serpentine. The difference in the physical components of the Asbestos fibers marks the difference between these two groups. The amphibole variety of Asbestos is considered to be more dangerous of the two and has thin, straight fibers in a chain-like sequence, whereas the serpentine variety of Asbestos is characterized by curly fibers. 

Chrysotile Asbestos is the only variety of Asbestos that falls in the serpentine category; the other five types of Asbestos, namely Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite are of the amphibole type.

Out of the six types of Asbestos, only the amosite, crocidolite and Chrysolite varieties find use in the industrial applications. The other varieties of Asbestos are quite rare.

A Closer Look At The Individual Varieties

Amosite Asbestos

More commonly known as “brown” Asbestos and even sometimes as “gray” Asbestos, this type of Asbestos was initially found in South Africa. In terms of the harmful side effects, this kind of Asbestos gets the second rank following the most hazardous “blue” Asbestos. A huge number of South Africans who had worked in the Asbestos mines were sickened with some kind of Asbestos-related malady.

Crocidolite Asbestos

Crocidolite is the harmful “blue” Asbestos, which, of course, has been negligibly used in commercial products. It owes its name to its color that ranges from a slate gray to a very deep blue. This Asbestos is harder than the other amphibole varieties. The fibers of this Asbestos are a bit brittle and are flexible enough to be bent beyond 90 degrees before they break.

Tremolite Asbestos

This relatively common mineral is found usually in the metamorphic rocks. The color of the mineral ranges from creamy white to dark green. This kind of Asbestos is usually not used for industrial purposes, but it has been a common ingredient in household products, like talcum powder.

Anthophyllite Asbestos

A rare form of Asbestos, this Asbestos is easily identified because of its brittle white fibers, which are essentially made of crystal and have a chain-like appearance. These fibers expand with heat application and, therefore, they pose a great threat to health. This Asbestos is not often used for industrial purposes. 

Actinolite Asbestos

This relatively common mineral has its existence in the metamorphic rocks and it is closely related to Tremolite. This category of Asbestos is usually found in colors white, gray or green. This Asbestos is not associated with industrial or commercial use. The non-fibrous variants of Actinolite Asbestos are not as much a health-threat as the commercial forms of Asbestos.

Chrysotile Asbestos

This Asbestos accounts for 90% of serpentine variety of Asbestos all over the world. Countries like Canada, Italy and Russia consider this mineral safe, devoid of health-threats and thus they are engaged in the mining and export of Chrysotile.