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Asbestos is the common name for a variety of silicate materials that are fibrous in structure and are more resistant to acid and fire than other materials. It is a natural occurring mineral made of impure magnesium silicate that is found within the ground and has two forms, serpentine and amphibole. Physical characteristics differentiate the serpentine and amphibole forms. Serpentines divide into curly, wavy fibers that show little resistance to being bent or spiraled. Amphibole fibers are needlelike shards that show great resistance to being bent or curled. Serpentines are like man-made wool in appearance, where amphiboles are like man-made fiberglass. Serpentine and amphibole asbestos both exhibit physical and chemical resistance to high temperatures and applied force. Asbestos is used for thermal insulation, fire proofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings and has been used in numerous industries. The raw ore of both forms is made up of visible fibrous strands. Asbestos' ore form will initially divide into visible strands, fiber bundles, and then individual fibers. These visible strands, bundles, and fibers will continue to split until they are microscopic in size. This process is unique to asbestos and is why airborne asbestos is so dangerous. The fibers can become so small that they remain airborne for long periods of time and can pass through the respiratory dust defenses unnoticed. A person can be exposed to asbestos without being aware of its presence.
