False colour scanning elctron 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: X143 at 35mm size , & X1000 at 10x8 inch size.