Industries still use these minerals for their ability to selectively adsorb chemical molecules from liquids and gases. Although Erionite mining ceased in the late 1980s, exposure to the deadly mineral can occur during the production and mining of other zeolites. Deposits have been identified in at least 12 US states. Some regions of Turkey have faced persistent problems from the mineral.Įrionite belongs to a group of silicate minerals called zeolites. Exposure can cause cancers such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. When disturbed, erionite fibres can become airborne and act in a similar way to asbestos fires. Credit: Leon Hupperichs under CCASA3.0.Įrionite naturally occurs as a fibrous mineral, often found in volcanic ash. Erionite Tiny crystals of Erionite can be damaging to human health. This distinguishes it from the other two variants of Apatite, Apatite-(CaF) and Apatite-(CaCl). The International Mineralogical Association refers to the mineral as Apatite-(CaOH). In the last of these, miners named a town in Murmansk Oblast after the mineral. Mining companies developed commercial-scale apatite mines in the US, North Africa and Russia. The chemicals within also have uses in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The mineral belongs to an apatite group of phosphate minerals, making it useful for fertiliser production. However, the chemicals in the stone can be important in tooth enamel and bone formation. Hydroxyapatite, also known as hydroxylapatite, can block blood flow when it builds up inside heart valves and arteries. Hydroxyapatite A sample of phosphorite, which contains hydroxyapatite. The government forcibly evicted the last residents and removed the town from maps to deter tourists seeking “ The most dangerous town in Australia“. Crocidolite mining in the town of Wittenoom caused more than 2,000 residents to die of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. In Western Australia, the mineral has also literally erased towns from the map. Across the world, many thousands of miners have had their lives shortened by asbestos exposure. Production has since ceased due to the serious health risks posed to miners and consumers. However, crocidolite proved less resistant than other forms of asbestos, causing it to become the least desired.Ĭrocidolite asbestos mining occurred mostly in Western Australia, Bolivia and South Africa. Manufacturers used asbestos to make commercial and industrial products including ceiling tiles, cement sheets and insulation boards.
Mining companies previously sought asbestos because of its resistance to heat and fire. This fibrous mineral can easily form dusts, often inhaled by those nearby. Credit: James St John under CC BY 2.0.Ĭrocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, can cause fatal diseases such as lung and mesothelial cancer. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) Crocidolite was one of the least desired forms of asbestos, but it still stands as one of the world’s most dangerous minerals.
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