A mineral found in serpentine and occurring in veinlets 12 to 150 mm (1/2 to 6 in.) wide. It readily separates into long flexible fibers which were used to make non-combustible, nonconductive, and chemically resistant materials until it was found to be a possible carcinogen.
Asbestos has the property of withstanding high temperatures, has a low thermal conductivity and is highly resistant to the action of acids. It was formerly used as a heat insulator, and to some extent, as an electric insulator.
