Which asbestos type is serpentine?

• A. Amosite
• B. Crocidolite
• C. Chrysotile
• D. Tremolite

Answer: (C)

Understanding serpentine vs amphibole classification of asbestos is what this question tests. Serpentine refers to a single asbestos mineral, chrysotile, which forms curly, flexible fibers that can coil like a serpent. The other minerals listed—amosite, crocidolite, and tremolite—belong to the amphibole group, which produce straight, needle-like fibers. This fundamental difference in fiber shape and mineral structure is why chrysotile is identified as serpentine, while the others are amphiboles.