Spectroscopic characterization of chrysotile asbestos from different regions

Chrysotile asbestos from different geographic regions was characterized by 57Fe Mössbauer and FT-IR spectroscopies, and FE-SEM coupled with EDS. Mössbauer spectra showed incorporation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) into the crystal structure of chrysotile. The Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratios were calculated. The Fe(II) occupied the octahedral Mg(II) positions. Broadening of Mössbauer lines corresponding to the Fe(III) doublet indicated a possible presence of Fe(III) in tetrahedral and octahedral positions. In all samples magnetite (Fe3−xO4) was found as associated mineral. Changes in the FT-IR spectra of chrysotiles were assigned to structural incorporation of metal ions, such as iron or aluminium ions. The morphology of chrysotile asbestos was inspected by FE-SEM.