It was utilized for wicks in sacred lamps. The Romans likewise recognized the properties of asbestos and its uses. From the time of the Greeks and Romans in the first century, until its re-emergence in the eighteenth century, asbestos received little attention or use. It was not available in large amounts until extensive deposits were discovered in Canada in the late 1800's. Following this discovery, asbestos emerged as an insulating component in thermal insulation for boilers, pipes, and other high temperature applications, and as reinforcement for a variety of other products.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral.
It is distinguished from other minerals by the fact that its crystals form into long, thin, microscopic fibers. Deposits of asbestos are found throughout the world with primary sites being in Canada, Russia, and South Africa. Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos. It is white in color and resists heat but does not stand up well against acids. Amosite is the second most common asbestos.