False colour scanning electron micrograph of fibres of blue asbestos, or crocidolite. All asbestos varieties are silicates (amphibole minerals), the most common being crocidolite, chrysotile & amosite. Asbestos fibres can be felted & woven or compressed to make insulating boards, pipe coverings, paper & shingles. It is used in the construction & chemical industries because of its fireproof, corrosion resistance, & insulating properties. Asbestos fibres split into infinitely small fibres, which when inhaled in quantity lodge in the lung causing the respiratory disease asbestosis. Magnification: x93 at 35mm size, x650 at 8x10 inch size. Colorvir. Blue/red