Asbestos Minerals
Name and Composition - Hydrous magnesium silicate with Ca and Fe viz. Chrysotile [(Mg3(SiO10)(OH)8, Amosite [(Mg,Fe27)(Si8O22)(OH)2], Tremolite [(Ca2Mg3(OH)2(Si4O22)].
Physical Properties - Asbestos occurs in fibrous form. The fibers are generally white to greenish white and brownish coloured, long, fine, flexible and easily separated by the fingers, luster is vitreous.
Mode of Occurrence - Occurs in ultra basic rocks such as serpentinites.
Uses - The use of asbestos depends on its type and properties. Chrysotile asbestos being more fibrous and possessing better tensile strength, is used in preparing asbestos fabrics, cement sheets, pipes and allied products; break linings, insulation, asbestos paper, fire proof paints, in fire fighting clothes etc. Short fibers are used with cement as binders for manufacturing asbestos cement products. Amphilbole asbestos is used in heat insulation and treatment of acids. Anthophyllite and tremolite varieties are used for boiler lagging, hard-setting magnesia composition and as a filler in paints and moulded articles and automotive parts.
Mineral based Industries – Asbestos cement pipe, A.C. sheets, fire fighting clothes & instruments, automotive parts, fire proof boards.
Industrial Prospects – Asbestos cement pipes, A.C. sheets manufacturing units.
Physical Properties
Hardness
Streak
Luster
Dispersion
Optical properties
Streak
Luster
Dispersion
Optical properties
2.5 – 3
White
Silky
Relatively weak
Biaxial
White
Silky
Relatively weak
Biaxial
Chemical Properties
Formula
Crystal system
Formula mass
Fracture
Crystal system
Formula mass
Fracture
Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
Orthorhombic
277.11 g
Fibrous
Orthorhombic
277.11 g
Fibrous
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