Amphibole asbestos · White to grey
Tremolite - White-grey amphibole asbestos
Tremolite is a calcium-rich mineral of the amphibole group. It has generally not been used commercially, but it occurs as a contaminant in chrysotile and vermiculite. Vermiculite containing tremolite has caused significant harm to health internationally.
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Mineral group
Amphibole
Colour
White to grey
Formula
Ca₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Risk level
High
Characteristics
- ✓Straight, rigid fibres
- ✓Calcium-rich amphibole
- ✓Usually occurs as a contaminant
- ✓Also occurs in non-fibrous form (as rock)
Historical uses
- •No commercial use as such
- •As a contaminant in chrysotile in asbestos cement
- •Contamination of vermiculite products (for example Libby, Montana)
Where can Tremolite be found?
- •As a contaminant in chrysotile-bearing products
- •In vermiculite insulation (especially in attic floors)
- •In talc-containing cosmetic products
Tremolite in Finland
In Finland, tremolite occurs mainly as a contaminant in imported chrysotile and in vermiculite products. It has never been a commercial product in its own right.
Ban
Banned in Finland in 1994 as part of the complete asbestos ban.
Health risk
High. As an amphibole asbestos, tremolite is hazardous in much the same way as amosite and crocidolite. The mesothelioma cases caused by vermiculite contamination have attracted significant international attention.
Do you suspect Tremolite in your material?
Order an asbestos analysis – we identify all six types of asbestos with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope.