ABC of mining
Chrysotile
Chemical Formula
Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
Chemical Class
Silicates
Properties
Chrysotile is a kind of asbestos known for its fibrous, flexible, fine and silky structure, enabling being woven or spun.
Origin
Minaçu, GO
Curiosities
Chrysotile exploration and use are highly controlled, and its prohibition has been debated over the last few years, as this mineral handling is associated with several lung diseases.
Use
Its fibers are used to manufacture non-combustible and isolating tissues, prepare electrical insulation materials, manufacture friction products, including brake pads, brake linings, gear disks for automobiles, trucks, etc. However, Chrysotile main use is in fiber cement (asbestos-cement), including coating boards, splitting panels, water boxes and corrugated roofing, known as ‘asbestos roofing’.
Source: MM Gerdau - Museu das Minas e do Metal -
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