Mineral Fibers

Natural

NEW COLLECTION

Man-Made

Specialty

Naturally occurring fibers mined from the earth.

• Asbestos Group (Silicate Minerals)

  • Chrysotile (serpentine group – “white asbestos”)

  • Amosite (amphibole group – “brown asbestos”)

  • Crocidolite (amphibole group – “blue asbestos”)

  • Tremolite, Actinolite, Anthophyllite (rare amphiboles)

  • Applications: Historical use in insulation, fireproofing, cement sheets, friction materials (brakes/clutches). Largely banned/restricted today.

About asbestos (natural mineral fiber)

Asbestos is heavily restricted/banned in many regions; it’s not ranked above because market value is limited. For context, global consumption of raw asbestos has still been ~1.1–1.3 million tonnes/year (2015–2023) in a handful of countries, despite long-term decline. U.S. Geological Survey

Sometimes grouped under mineral fibers because of their inorganic composition.

• Carbon/Graphite Fibers (inorganic, non-metallic)

• Metallic Fibers (stainless steel, aluminum – for ESD control, shielding)

• Applications: Aerospace composites, EMI/RFI shielding, specialty filters.

Synthetic inorganic fibers produced by melting and extruding/mineral spinning.

a) Glass Fibers

• E-Glass: Electrical insulation, composites (most common)

• S-Glass: High-strength composites

• C-Glass: Corrosion resistant

• A-Glass, ECR-Glass: Specialty uses

• Applications: Reinforced plastics (GRP), insulation, filtration, electronics.

b) Rock Wool / Stone Wool

• Produced by melting basalt, dolomite, or slag.

• Applications: Thermal & acoustic insulation, fireproofing.

c) Slag Wool

• Made from blast furnace slag.

• Applications: Building insulation, industrial soundproofing.

d) Ceramic Fibers

• Alumino-Silicate Ceramic Fibers

• Polycrystalline Alumina Fibers

• Applications: High-temperature insulation (kilns, furnaces, aerospace).

e) Basalt Fibers

• Derived by melting pure basalt rock.

• Applications: Rebar, composites, thermal protection, geotextiles.

f) High-Silica Fibers

• ≥ 95% SiO₂.

• Applications: Heat shields, filtration at high temperature, aerospace.