Chemical formula of asbestos

Many people have questioned regarding chemical formula for asbestos.

Asbestos is composed of minerals, known since antiquity, with long, thin fibrous crystals. It is not an element.

well it depends on the type:

Chrysotile,(white in color) , CAS No. 12001-29-5, is obtained from serpentinite rocks which are common throughout the world. Its idealized chemical formula is Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4.

Amosite, (brown in color) ,CAS No. 12172-73-5, is a trade name for the amphiboles belonging to the cummingtonite-grunerite solid solution series, commonly from Africa, named as an acronym from Asbestos Mines of South Africa. One formula given for amosite is Fe7Si8O22(OH)2.

Crocidolite, (blue in color) ,CAS No. 12001-28-4 is an amphibole found primarily in southern Africa, but also in Australia. It is the fibrous form of the amphibole riebeckite. One formula given for crocidolite is Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2.

What minerals are in asbestos?
Asbestos is made of six kinds of minerals that occur naturally, namely chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite.
It is a popular building material due to a plethora of properties including
heat resistance, fire resistance, and durability.

Chrysotile (white asbestos)- Most common and can be seen in ceilings.
Amosite (brown asbestos) – Can be seen in cement sheets.
Crocidolite (blue asbestos)- Can be seen in steam engines.
Anthophyllite – can be seen in insulation products.
Tremolite -Used as contaminants in white asbestos.
Actinolite -Used as contaminants in white asbestos.

Which among these asbestos types is most dangerous?
Crocidolite or blue asbestos is considered most dangerous asbestos.

Can asbestos be dangerous?
Yes, now its been well known to everyone that asbestos exposure can lead to fatal cancer and can impact lung linings. It is also banned in many countries.