Amphibole asbestos · White to grey
Tremolite - White-grey amphibole asbestos
Tremolite is a calcium-rich mineral of the amphibole group. It was generally not used commercially, but it occurs as a contaminant in chrysotile and vermiculite. Vermiculite contaminated with tremolite has caused serious harm to health around the world.
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Mineral group
Amphibole
Colour
White to grey
Formula
Ca₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Risk level
High
Characteristics
- ✓Straight, stiff fibres
- ✓Calcium-rich amphibole
- ✓Usually present as a contaminant
- ✓Also occurs in non-fibrous form (as rock)
Historical uses
- •No commercial use of its own
- •As a contaminant of chrysotile in asbestos cement
- •Contaminant in vermiculite products (e.g. Libby, Montana)
Where can tremolite be found?
- •As a contaminant in products containing chrysotile
- •Vermiculite insulation (especially in lofts)
- •Cosmetic products containing talc
Tremolite in older buildings
In older buildings, tremolite is found mainly as a contaminant in products containing chrysotile and in vermiculite insulation. It was never a commercial product in its own right.
Ban
All use of asbestos has been banned throughout the EU since 1 January 2005 (Directive 1999/77/EC). Many member states banned it earlier; the exact year depends on your country.
Health risk
High. As an amphibole asbestos, tremolite is just as dangerous as amosite and crocidolite. Cases of mesothelioma caused by contaminated vermiculite have drawn international attention.
Do you suspect tremolite in your material?
Order an asbestos analysis – we identify all six types of asbestos with the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope.