Asbestos

Do you know of an earthen block mineral that is considered to be a taboo at this juncture because of how risky it is to the health? One thing comes to mind and that is asbestos which is defined as a cluster of fibrous minerals. Some of which are metamorphic which is the aftermath of a pre- existing stone that has changed over the evolution of time. When you look back at history, this organic rock has been exploited because of it being resistant to fire.

In Greek terms, asbestos is called quicklime when translated into English. However, the name has really been taken from the use of lamp wicks in the olden periods. In Egypt, the organic rock was utilized in textiles from interment cloths. Legend even has it that the table cloth of Charlemagne, King of the Franks who took control of Italy and stole the Iron Crown of Lombardy when visiting Rome, was also treated with this earthen block.

In the classical eras, asbestos was held in great esteem where it was even compared to gold. As a matter of fact, only the aristocrats had dining napkins produced out of the organic rock. There were some antiquaries who deemed that that there were individuals who created blankets of this earthen block. You may be asking yourself about the comfort offered by the item. Anyhow, it should no longer ring into your mind as it was practiced only in the past.

Asbestos was also applied in the burning of the corpses of the kings so they need not reserve a particular place for burial. They instead preserved the ashes which today, is recognized as the process of cremation. In ancient civilization, the method was intended in order to prevent the dead bodies to be mixed with wood or any combustible substances such as the construction of funeral piles.

In the new millennium, asbestos is taken in the form of chrysotile for commercial purposes. The organic rock can actually produce a number such as gaskets, putty, pipes, stage curtains, acoustical ceilings, brake pads, clutch plates, floor tiles, adhesive tapes, mud coats, roofing tars, transite siding, felts, shingles and countertops, among the others. This earthen block can actually be spotted in every corner of your abode.

There is another group that composes asbestos which is known as amphibole. The classification is divided into two namely amosite and crocidolite. Albeit, in the middle stage of the 1980’s, the organic rock was banned. Before it was prohibited, the earthen block was very indispensable in the area of electrical services and telecommunication lines. In the chemical industry, same story goes where it generated thermal doors and limpet spray, to name a few.