Types Of Asbestos
Much to the blight of homes build prior to the 1980s, asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate found in rocks and soil. It is a needle like mineral that makes its way to our respiratory system and gets a little too comfortable. Manufacturers used the six types of asbestos to make goods due to it’s strength and heat resistance.
It did not however stand the test of time. Science progressed to find that asbestos is a known human carcinogen. This basically means that it could cause cancer. Disguised as an angel only to turn out to be a villain, we should hope to outsmart it. But how do we destroy that which we cannot name? What you might have not known about asbestos is that there’s more than one type of this mineral. Each type baring different qualities. These are the six types:
Chrysotile Asbestos
Also known as “white asbestos” and “serpentine asbestos”, chrysotile asbestos is the most common form of asbestos. It was mostly found in brake pads, insulation for pipes, building material, and many other items. It looks like white cotton wool.
You might sit night and day, wondering just how to pronounce chrysotile. It’s CRY-SO-TILE.
Amosite Asbestos
Also known as “brown asbestos” is a whole other ball game. It is even more toxic than white asbestos. Its fibers are straighter and shorter than white asbestos. It is brown in color as one would deduce from its second name. Cement sheets and pipe insulation
The pronunciation of this word is all over the place. Just like its health outcomes. I searched deep into the web and found at least 8 different ways for people to say this pesky mineral’s name. My advice, pronounce this one just as it is written.
Crocidolite Asbestos

Tremolite Asbestos

Anthophyllite Asbestos
Anthophyllite is also a very rare asbestos. It was also not intended for commercial use. What happened is that the miners would mine for vermiculite and talc and would then become at high risk for developing asbestos-related diseases because there was actually anthophyllite in those other minerals. This type ranges in color: white, gray, and brown.
Anthophyllite is pronounced as it is written. Pronouncing this word should make you sound like you have a lisp, even if you don’t have one. If it doesn’t, then you are pronouncing it wrong.
Actinolite Asbestos
The final mention on this list is actinolite asbestos. Dangerous like the others, this asbestos appears as dark green crystals or fibrous aggregates. It can be flexible or brittle. Like the latter two asbestos types, this type of asbestos is rarely used and is usually found as a contaminant in other minerals.
Try saying: act in no light rapidly – then pronounce actinolite in the same way.
Why Choose A Service From High Mark Service Group
When you need asbestos service, you need it fixed fast and fixed properly. Highmark offers quick, affordable service as soon as possible. We are here for you!
- Our technicians are the most experienced available
- We offer a methodical approach so you do not have unneeded repairs
- Fully stocked trucks
- We do residential, commercial, and industrial asbestos service
- Your satisfaction is our goal