Chrysotile Asbestos

The image shows Chrysotile, a fibrous silicate (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4) and one variety of asbestos found in serpentines from the Shabanie Mine, Zimbabwe. The image shows the individual flexible fibres that the mineral is composed of. Chrysotile asbestos is highly heat resistant and has many applications in fire retardants.

Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile Asbestos
 

The image represents an area approximately 7 µm wide.

 

Sample courtesy of the Cockburn Museum ,

School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh.

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