False colour scanning electron micrograph of fibres of blue asbestos,or crocidolite. All asbestos varieties are silicates (amphibole minerals),the most common being crocidolite,chrysotile & amosite. Asbestos fibres can be felted & woven or compressed to make insulating boards,pipe coverings,paper & shingles. It is used in the construction & chemical industries because of its fireproof,corrosion resistance,& insulating properties. Asbestos fibres split into infinitely small fibres,which when inhaled in quantity lodge in the lung causing the respiratory disease asbestosis. Magnification: x93 at 35mm size,x650 at 8x10 inch size. Colorvir. Blue/red |