The 3 most commonly used
asbestos fibers are chrysotile (a serpentine form), crocidolite, and amosite
(amphiboles); the remaining 3 are tremolite, anthophyllite, and actnolite
(amphiboles). Another naturally occurring silicate is vermiculite, which
may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, thereby also posing health
risks. The nearly ubiquitous use of asbestos stems from its superior
fireproof and insulation properties.