Catalytic oxygenless steam cracking of syngas-containing benzene model tar compound over natural Fe-bearing silicate minerals

► Benzene reforming in simulated syngas by chrysotile and chrysotile/lizardite ores. ► Fourfold higher benzene conversion by chrysotile ores than olivine. ► Twofold higher benzene conversion by chrysotile/lizardite ores than olivine. ► High activity of chrysotile for steam reforming of methane in simulated syngas. ► Higher benzene conversion by increasing reductive-to-oxidative gas ratio.