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Crocidolite

Crocidolite

Crocidolite, also known as Riebeckite is a sodium-rich member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals.

The fibrous forms of riebeckite are known as crocidolite and are one of the six recognized types of asbestos. Often referred to as blue asbestos, it is considered the most hazardous.

Crocidolite fibers have considerable tensile strength, and may be spun into thread and woven into cloth. They are also resistant to heat and are excellent thermal, electrical and acoustic insulators. Historically asbestos was used in roofing, floor tiles, pipes, attic insulation, brake pads, gaskets, oven mitts, crayons, potting soil, fake snow (all of the fake snow in Wizard of Oz was asbestos) and many more applications.

When inhaled, the tiny fibers stick into and cause scar tissue build up in the lungs. Asbestos is the primary cause of Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer of the membrane lining the lungs and abdomen. When the link between asbestos and Mesothelioma was discovered, industry began phasing out it's use.

Asbestos regulations vary globally and often depend on the type of asbestos. Most countries, including the U.S., ban asbestos use. This includes a ban on amphibole types, like crocidolite and amosite. Some exemptions remain for chrysotile asbestos. It is allowed in certain products under specific conditions in the U.S. and Canada.

This fibrous crocidolite specimen is one of the most dangerous in the collection, it should not be handled.

Locality

Western Australia

Crocidolite

Streak

Pale to bluish gray

Hardness

Formula

6

Na2(Fe2+3Fe3+2)Si8O22(OH)2

Habit

As prismatic crystals, commonly fibrous

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