Crocidolite asbestos was the least-used variety of asbestos in industry. However, it was mined and exported to some extent, accounting for 4% of all asbestos use in the United States. It’s fibers are somewhat brittle but are generally flexible enough to bend beyond 90 degrees without rupture, however its fibers are much less durable than chrysotile asbestos fibers, giving it limited capacities for industrial use. It is found in South Africa, Bolivia, and Western Australia. It is also referred to as "blue" asbestos because of the hue of its fibers.s for other materials, such as vermiculite.
Indeed, crocidolite asbestos is generally regarded as the most hazardous variety. Where it was mined, a fair percentage of those who worked in the mines died of the cancer, malignant mesothelioma or some other asbestos related disease. While those who worked in the mines suffered a higher incidence of disease, those who lived in the surrounding towns and villages also showed higher than average incidence of respiratory complications, believed by many to be caused by the asbestos mines. Industrial use for blue asbestos was limited because it proved to possess far less heat-resistant qualities than varieties of serpentine asbestos. Its use was generally limited to concrete compounds, primarily as a strengthening material. Today, while blue asbestos is no longer mined, it has been encountered in mine.