krokidoliitti

Krokidoliitti is a fibrous mineral belonging to the amphibole group. It is a form of asbestos, specifically a blue asbestos. The name originates from the Greek words "krokis" meaning flock of wool and "dilos" meaning island, referencing its appearance and the historical association with mines on the island of Cos. Chemically, krokidoliitti is a sodium iron silicate with the formula Na2Fe22+Fe23+Si8O22(OH)2. It is known for its fine, needle-like fibers that are flexible and possess high tensile strength. These properties made it desirable for various industrial applications, including insulation, fireproofing, and brake linings, prior to its health risks becoming widely understood. Exposure to krokidoliitti fibers can lead to serious respiratory diseases, most notably asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, due to the fibers' ability to become embedded in lung tissue. Consequently, its use has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries. While it is no longer widely manufactured, krokidoliitti may still be present in older buildings and materials, necessitating caution during demolition or renovation activities.