ABSTRACT
Asbestos of the amphibole type represent a group of mineral fibers, needle-shaped. They are more stable to heat and acids that chrysotile, but more vulnerable to alkalinity. Amosite (dark gray) and crocidolite (blue asbestos), are those with greater commercial interest, being mainly used in industry and construction. Fibrous varieties may be distinguished by physical appearance, color and chemical composition. Although the color of pure asbestos may be observed to the naked eye, the type of fiber may not be identified based solely on this feature, since these are mostly, aggregated to other materials.
