Asbestos in Construction What is Asbestos? Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos in construction differs from other minerals, in that it forms long thin fibers instead of crystals. There are six different minerals, divided into two groups, included in the asbestos family. The two groups are Serpentine and Amphibole, and are based on the differences of their crystalline structure. Serpentine forms a sheet or layered structure. Amphiboles form a chain-like structure. Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring and stay airborne very well. Where do you find asbestos? Asbestos is used in many products because of their high tensile...