Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

Crocidolite is a fibrous variety of the rather rare chain silicate Riebeckite from the alkali amphibole group. The name Blue asbestos It is named after its bluish to violet colour. As with the other Asbestos-minerals, blue asbestos was often used in the construction sector due to its heat and acid-resistant properties, especially as a Sprayed asbestos for fire protection in buildings with steel frame construction.

The stronger tendency of the blue asbestos fibres to split longitudinally makes the mineral more dangerous than Chrysotile (white asbestos).