Asbestos is a mineral compound of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and various metal cations.
Three of the most common types are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Unlike most minerals, asbestos breaks up into fine, light fibers invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos became a popular commercial product to manufacturers and builders in the early 1900's to the 1970's. Asbestos is durable, fire retardant, resists corrosion, and insulates well. It is estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos.