Asbestos is a general term used to describe several different types of fibers. In efforts to point out that the Libby fiber is unique, many people originally used the word tremolite. This also seems not to be the best term as there is actually very little tremolite in the Libby fiber. Therefore, the best term is Libby amphibole asbestos. Libby amphibole asbestos fibers have no odor, smell, or taste. They are not flammable and they do not evaporate into air, dissolve in water, or breakdown in dirt. Because of the unique chemical and structural properties of the Libby fiber, the associated Libby amphibole asbestos diseases also have a unique presentation.

This means that a single fiber of Libby amphibole asbestos is a mixture of up to 5 different, yet similar, fibers. Libby amphibole asbestos mostly includes Winchite (84%), Richterite (10%), and Tremolite (5%).

To understand how a single fiber of Libby amphibole asbestos can be a solid solution, imagine a glass of water. You pour in six teaspoon of yellow water, two teaspoons of green water, and a teaspoon of blue water. The water is then a new color. If you were to freeze that glass of water, it would be a solid solution. It can be difficult to look at the frozen block and determine how much of each color is in the solution just like it is difficult to determine what the chemical makeup of Libby amphibole asbestos is.

This means that since Libby amphibole asbestos fibers are made up of 3-5 chemically different fibers, the chemical composition often changes from one end of the amphibole fiber to the other, just like the frozen block of colored water can be mostly green on one end and mostly blue on the other end.

Cleavage Frequently Occurs with Libby Amphibole Asbestos
Remember that asbestos fibers are very fragile. Cleavage is the mechanical breaking apart of the mineral when it is disturbed, whether by processing it or playing with it. Some people question if the cleavage process continues while the fibers are in the lungs and/or the body. This idea is not a fact; rather it is just a question that needs further research to determine if it is true. The bottom line is that the more you disturb the fibers, the more fibers you get.

Cleavage does not always occur in a chaotic or random manner; rather it occurs in a parallel way, which eventually reduces some of the larger pieces and particles to thin, needlelike forms that can cause health problems.