Amphiboles. Part IV. Surface properties of amosite and crocidolite

Abstract

The variation of surface area of the amphibole asbestos minerals crocidolite and amosite with pre-outgassing temperature and with the polarity of the sorbate is shown to be comparable with that previously described for chrysotile asbestos by Young and Healey, whose “water plug” hypothesis cannot apply to the amphiboles; the variation in the values obtained is explained on the assumption that water and ammonia are hydrogen-bonded to hydroxyl groups on the mineral surface. The variation of the surface area of crocidolite after its oxidation or reduction is described, and provides complementary evidence for the assumption.