Asbestos

Amosite is a commonly commercially-used synonym of grunerite first used by Hall. It may also be ferro-anthophyllite. The amosite referred to by Peacock is fibrous actinolite or cummingtonite. Amosite"

Amphibole defines an important group of dark-colored rock-forming inosilicate minerals composed of double chain SiO₄ tetrahedra linked at the vertices and generally containing ions of iron and/ or magnesium in their structures. In chemical composition and general characteristics they are very similar to the pyroxenes and, like them, fall into three series according to their system of crystallization. The chief difference between amphiboles and pyroxenes is in cleavage: amphiboles form oblique cleavage planes, while pyroxenes have cleavages of approximately 90 degrees. Amphiboles are also specifically less dense than the corresponding pyroxenes, and in their optical characteristics they are distinguished by their stronger pleochroism and by the wider angle of extinction on the plane of symmetry. Amphiboles are the primary constituent of amphibolites. Amphibole"

Anthophyllite is an amphibole mineral: (Mg, Fe)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂, magnesium iron inosilicate hydroxide. Anthophyllite is polymorphic with cummingtonite. It is a mineral of metamorphic origin produced by the alteration of magnesium rich igneous rocks and impure dolomitic limestone. Thus it is found in gneisses, schists, and some marbles. Anthophyllite also occurs as a retrograde metamorphic mineral derived from ultramafic rocks along with serpentine. Some forms of anthophyllite are lamellar or fibrous and are used as asbestos. Anthophyllite"

Asbestos (a misapplication of Latin: asbestos " quicklime" from Greek ἄσβεστος: a-, "not"; sbestos, "extinguishable") describes any of a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals of the hydrous magnesium silicate variety. The name is derived for its historical use in lamp wicks; the resistance of asbestos to fire has long been exploited for a variety of purposes. It was used in fabrics such as Egyptian burial cloths and Charlemagne's tablecloth, which, according to legend, he threw in a fire to clean. Asbestos occurs naturally in many forms (see below); it is mined from metamorphic deposits. Asbestos"