Crocidolite

Crocidolite at 200x

Description

Crocidolite at 200x polarized light

A fibrous, blue-green mineral composed of sodium iron silicate. Crocidolite is a minor commercial form of asbestos, called blue asbestos. It is found in Europe, Africa, South America and the United States. Crocidolite fibers have a harsh texture. They have fair flexibility and are strong. Crocidolite fibers are used to reinforce polymers and as heat resistant textiles.

Synonyms and Related Terms

blue asbestos; riebeckite; crocidolite (Port.); Krokidolit (Deut.)

Risks

• Noncombustible. Unaffected by heat.
• Carcinogenic.
• Highly toxic by inhalation of dust.
• Skin contact cause irritation.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Fiber length = 12-300 mm (0.5 - 12 inches)
• Diameter = 300-350 angstroms.
• Luster = silky to dull.
• Cross section is polygonal or circular.
• Tensile strength = 80,000-200,00 psi
• Resistant to alkalis and acids.

Mohs Hardness	4.0
Density	3.2-3.3 g/ml

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• Identification of Textile Materials, The Textile Institute, Manchester, England, 1985

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998