What unique property of Canadian asbestos made it ideal for a variety of applications?
- Its resistance to heat and fire
- Its ability to be woven into fine fabrics
- Its silky, greasy texture
- Its ability to withstand high pressure
Correct Answer: Its silky, greasy texture
Correct Answer Explanation: Canadian chrysotile, also known as “pierre-à-coton,” was prized for its silky, greasy texture, making it suitable for diverse uses like packing, boiler coverings, and even boot linings.
Where was the first commercially important asbestos mine in Canada discovered?
- Thetford, Quebec
- Coleraine, Quebec
- Black Lake, Quebec
- Broughton, Quebec
Correct Answer: Thetford, Quebec
Correct Answer Explanation: The discovery of asbestos in Thetford, Quebec, in 1877 marked the beginning of the Canadian asbestos industry.
What method was primarily used to extract asbestos in Canada?
- Deep underground tunneling
- Open quarry work
- Hydraulic mining
- Underwater dredging
Correct Answer: Open quarry work
Correct Answer Explanation: The irregular veins of chrysotile in Canada necessitated open quarry work, often requiring extensive removal of waste rock.
Which country was a major consumer of asbestos in 1888?
- France
- Great Britain
- Germany
- Italy
Correct Answer: Germany
Correct Answer Explanation: Germany’s growing industrialization led to a significant demand for asbestos, reflecting its increasing use in various sectors.
What was the approximate combined output of Thetford mines in 1886?
- 100 tons
- 500 tons
- 1,000 tons
- 2,000 tons
Correct Answer: 1,000 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: Thetford mines played a significant role in the Canadian asbestos industry, producing a substantial amount of the mineral in the mid-1880s.
What was a common concern in the early days of the Canadian asbestos industry?
- Lack of skilled labor
- The presence of impurities in the ore
- Difficulty in transporting the mineral
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The early Canadian asbestos industry faced several challenges, including the need for skilled miners and engineers, the presence of impurities affecting the quality of the ore, and difficulties in transporting the mineral to markets.
What unique application of asbestos was mentioned in the text?
- Fireproof curtains in theaters
- Insulation for buildings
- Packing for engineering purposes
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights the versatility of asbestos, showcasing its use in various applications, including fireproofing theaters, insulating buildings, and packing in engineering.
Why was the discovery of a large, continuous vein of asbestos at Broughton, Quebec, particularly exciting?
- It indicated the potential for a large-scale mining operation
- It was a high-quality variety of asbestos
- It was located near other mineral deposits
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The discovery of a large, continuous vein of asbestos at Broughton held significant promise for the industry. It indicated the potential for a large-scale mining operation, highlighted the high quality of the asbestos found there, and also suggested the possibility of extracting other valuable minerals in the vicinity.
What impact did the discovery of Canadian asbestos mines have on the asbestos market?
- It led to a decline in the price of asbestos
- It increased the demand for asbestos
- It led to a decrease in the demand for asbestos
- It had no significant impact
Correct Answer: It increased the demand for asbestos
Correct Answer Explanation: The discovery of abundant and high-quality Canadian asbestos significantly increased the demand for the mineral, as it became a major source for various industrial applications.
What was the approximate cost of extracting asbestos at Black Lake in 1886?
- $10 per ton
- $20 per ton
- $28 per ton
- $40 per ton
Correct Answer: $28 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of extraction varied depending on the location and the challenges posed by the mining environment. Black Lake mines, with their specific conditions, had a higher extraction cost compared to Thetford.
What was the approximate daily wage for a worker in a Canadian asbestos mine in 1886?
- $0.50 – $1.00
- $1.00 – $1.75
- $2.00 – $2.75
- $3.00 – $3.75
Correct Answer: $1.00 – $1.75
Correct Answer Explanation: Wages for miners and other laborers in the Canadian asbestos industry in the late 1800s reflected the prevailing economic conditions and the nature of the work involved.
What was a significant factor contributing to the absenteeism of French-Canadian workers in the asbestos mines?
- Poor working conditions
- Low wages
- Religious festivals
- All of the above
Correct Answer: Religious festivals
Correct Answer Explanation: The presence of numerous religious festivals in the French-Canadian culture had a notable impact on the workforce, leading to periods of absenteeism from the mines.
How did the use of asbestos contribute to improving safety in theaters?
- By providing better ventilation
- By creating fireproof curtains
- By making stage sets more durable
- By providing a safer material for lighting
Correct Answer: By creating fireproof curtains
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of asbestos for fireproof curtains in theaters was a significant step in enhancing audience safety. Asbestos’s resistance to fire made it an ideal material for protecting against the spread of flames in these public spaces.
What was the approximate value of manufactured asbestos imported into the United States from Canada in 1884?
- $10,000
- $25,000
- $48,755
- $100,000
Correct Answer: $48,755
Correct Answer Explanation: The increasing demand for Canadian asbestos in the United States led to a substantial rise in the value of imports, highlighting the growing importance of this mineral in the international market.
What was the approximate total output of Canadian asbestos mines in 1885?
- 500 tons
- 1,000 tons
- 1,500 tons
- 2,000 tons
Correct Answer: 1,500 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Canadian asbestos industry was rapidly expanding in the 1880s, demonstrating a significant increase in production within a short period.
What was the approximate price of No. 1 asbestos at the mines in 1888?
- $20 – $30 per ton
- $50 – $60 per ton
- $80 – $100 per ton
- $120 – $140 per ton
Correct Answer: $80 – $100 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: The quality of asbestos varied, and the price reflected these differences. No. 1 asbestos, being of the highest quality, commanded a higher price in the market.
What was the approximate total production of Canadian asbestos in 1886?
- 1,000 tons
- 2,000 tons
- 3,458 tons
- 5,000 tons
Correct Answer: 3,458 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The rapid growth of the Canadian asbestos industry is evident in the substantial increase in production from 1879 to 1886, demonstrating the potential of this sector.
What was a common way to remove waste rock from asbestos ore?
- Using heavy machinery
- Using hydraulic methods
- Using explosives
- Using manual labor
Correct Answer: Using manual labor
Correct Answer Explanation: The process of cobbing, which involved removing waste rock from the asbestos ore, was often performed by hand, highlighting the reliance on skilled labor in the early days of the Canadian asbestos industry.
What was a key factor that contributed to the development of the Canadian asbestos industry?
- The discovery of abundant deposits of high-quality asbestos
- The growing demand for asbestos in various industries
- The government’s support for the industry
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The development of the Canadian asbestos industry was a result of several factors, including the discovery of valuable deposits, the increasing demand for asbestos in various sectors, and the support provided by the government for this growing industry.
How did the use of asbestos contribute to advancements in engineering?
- It provided a durable material for building bridges
- It offered a heat-resistant material for boilers and steam engines
- It was used to create more efficient tools
- It was used to create better insulation for buildings
Correct Answer: It offered a heat-resistant material for boilers and steam engines
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of asbestos in packing and boiler coverings contributed significantly to advancements in engineering, particularly in the development of steam power and related technologies.
What was the approximate output of the Boston Company’s mine in Thetford in 1886?
- 100 tons
- 200 tons
- 400 tons
- 600 tons
Correct Answer: 400 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boston Company’s mine in Thetford was a significant contributor to the overall production of asbestos in the region, providing a notable amount of the mineral to the market.
Which of the following was NOT a common use of asbestos in 1888?
- Fireproof curtains for theaters
- Insulation for buildings
- Packing for engineering purposes
- Construction of roads
Correct Answer: Construction of roads
Correct Answer Explanation: While asbestos was used in various applications, its use in road construction was not common during this period.
What was the estimated cost of cobbing asbestos in 1888?
- $2 per ton
- $5 per ton
- $10 per ton
- $15 per ton
Correct Answer: $5 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of cobbing, which involved removing waste rock from the asbestos ore, played a significant role in the overall cost of production.
What was the main difference between Canadian and Italian asbestos in 1888?
- Canadian asbestos was more durable
- Italian asbestos was more resistant to heat
- Canadian asbestos had a silkier texture
- Italian asbestos was more readily available
Correct Answer: Canadian asbestos had a silkier texture
Correct Answer Explanation: Canadian chrysotile, with its unique silky texture, had different applications and was prized for its unique properties compared to the Italian varieties of asbestos.
What was the name of the variety of asbestos commonly found in Canada?
- Tremolite
- Picrolite
- Chrysotile
- Serpentine
Correct Answer: Chrysotile
Correct Answer Explanation: Chrysotile is the specific variety of asbestos that is commonly found in Canada, known for its white, silky fibers.
What was a common challenge faced by workers in Canadian asbestos mines?
- Exposure to harmful dust
- Long working hours
- Low wages
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Workers in the Canadian asbestos mines faced a number of challenges, including exposure to harmful dust, long working hours, and often low wages, highlighting the harsh realities of this industry.
What was the approximate value of the total production of Canadian asbestos in 1879?
- $10,000
- $19,500
- $30,000
- $40,000
Correct Answer: $19,500
Correct Answer Explanation: While the industry was rapidly expanding, the value of production in the early years was still relatively modest, reflecting the early stages of development.
Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a location of asbestos mines in Canada in 1888?
- Thetford
- Coleraine
- Black Lake
- Montreal
Correct Answer: Montreal
Correct Answer Explanation: While Montreal was a major center of trade and industry, it was not a location for asbestos mines in 1888.
What was the approximate price of No. 2 asbestos at the mines in 1888?
- $20 – $30 per ton
- $50 – $55 per ton
- $80 – $100 per ton
- $120 – $140 per ton
Correct Answer: $50 – $55 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: The price of asbestos varied based on its quality and grade. No. 2 asbestos, considered of medium quality, had a price that fell between the highest and lowest grades.
Which of the following was a common use of asbestos in filtering processes?
- Filtering corrosive liquids
- Filtering air for ventilation
- Filtering water for drinking
- Filtering oil for lubrication
Correct Answer: Filtering corrosive liquids
Correct Answer Explanation: Asbestos’s resistance to corrosion made it suitable for filtering corrosive liquids in various industrial processes.
What was the estimated daily wage for a boy working in an asbestos mine in 1886?
- $0.25 – $0.50
- $0.50 – $1.00
- $1.00 – $1.50
- $1.50 – $2.00
Correct Answer: $0.50 – $1.00
Correct Answer Explanation: The wages for boys working in the mines were significantly lower than those for adult workers, reflecting the different levels of skills and responsibilities involved.
What was the estimated cost of extracting asbestos at Thetford in 1886?
- $15 – $20 per ton
- $20 – $25 per ton
- $25 – $30 per ton
- $30 – $35 per ton
Correct Answer: $20 – $25 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of extraction at Thetford was lower than that at Black Lake, likely due to the relative ease of accessing the asbestos deposits in this location.
What was the approximate output of the Anglo-Canadian Asbestos Company’s mines at Black Lake in 1886?
- 100 tons
- 200 tons
- 330 tons
- 500 tons
Correct Answer: 330 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Anglo-Canadian Asbestos Company’s mines at Black Lake were a significant contributor to the overall production of asbestos in the region, demonstrating the growing scale of mining operations.
What was the name of the company that operated mines in both Black Lake and Broughton?
- Anglo-Canadian Asbestos Company
- The Boston Company
- The Johnson Company
- The Scottish Asbestos Company
Correct Answer: The Scottish Asbestos Company
Correct Answer Explanation: The Scottish Asbestos Company invested heavily in machinery and infrastructure, highlighting the growing interest in the potential of the Canadian asbestos industry.
Which of the following was NOT a challenge faced by the Canadian asbestos industry in 1888?
- Lack of skilled labor
- The presence of impurities in the ore
- The high cost of transporting the mineral
- The environmental concerns associated with asbestos
Correct Answer: The environmental concerns associated with asbestos
Correct Answer Explanation: While concerns about asbestos exposure and its potential health effects were emerging, they were not widely recognized as a major challenge to the industry in 1888.
What was a common characteristic of asbestos veins in Canada?
- They were continuous and easily accessible
- They were irregular and often affected by faults
- They were located deep underground
- They were primarily found in sedimentary rocks
Correct Answer: They were irregular and often affected by faults
Correct Answer Explanation: The irregular nature of asbestos veins in Canada required careful mining techniques and posed challenges for extraction.
Which of the following was a valuable mineral often found in close proximity to asbestos deposits in Thetford?
- Copper
- Gold
- Iron
- Chromic iron
Correct Answer: Chromic iron
Correct Answer Explanation: The presence of chromic iron alongside asbestos in Thetford highlighted the diversity of mineral resources in the region.
Which of the following was a common material used to break up rock in Canadian asbestos mines?
- Dynamite
- Steam power
- Hydraulic pressure
- Mechanical excavators
Correct Answer: Dynamite
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of dynamite or powder to break up the rock was a common practice in open quarry work, allowing for the extraction of the asbestos veins.
What was the approximate total output of the Scottish Asbestos Company’s mine at Black Lake in 1886?
- 100 tons
- 200 tons
- 300 tons
- 400 tons
Correct Answer: 300 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Scottish Asbestos Company’s mine at Black Lake was a significant contributor to the production of asbestos in the region, demonstrating the growing scale of operations in the area.
What was the name of the estate where South Ham, a rich mineral area, was located?
- Thetford Estate
- Black Lake Estate
- Coleraine Estate
- Nicolet Estate
Correct Answer: Nicolet Estate
Correct Answer Explanation: South Ham, known for its diverse mineral deposits, was situated on the Nicolet Estate, showcasing the potential for discovering valuable resources in various parts of Canada.
Which of the following was NOT a mineral found in South Ham?
- Asbestos
- Antimony
- Iron
- Bauxite
Correct Answer: Bauxite
Correct Answer Explanation: While South Ham was a rich mineral area, it was not known for deposits of bauxite, which is a primary source of aluminum.
What was the name of the Chevalier who designed an asbestos suit for firemen?
- Aldini
- Chevalier
- Reed
- Johnson
Correct Answer: Aldini
Correct Answer Explanation: The Chevalier Aldini, of Milan, was a pioneer in the development of protective clothing using asbestos, showcasing the potential of the mineral for fire protection.
What was the main purpose of the text about asbestos production and use in 1888?
- To provide a historical overview of the asbestos industry
- To promote the use of Canadian asbestos
- To warn about the dangers of asbestos
- To explain the scientific properties of asbestos
Correct Answer: To provide a historical overview of the asbestos industry
Correct Answer Explanation: The text aims to provide a comprehensive account of the asbestos industry in 1888, highlighting its development, key players, and various applications, providing a historical context for this important industry.
What was the main method used to transport asbestos from the mines to markets?
- By horse-drawn wagon
- By train
- By ship
- By air
Correct Answer: By train
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of railroads revolutionized the transportation of goods in the 19th century, making it the primary method for transporting asbestos from the mines to markets.
How did the text compare Canadian chrysotile to Italian asbestos?
- It highlighted the superior quality of Canadian chrysotile
- It emphasized the differences in their applications
- It suggested that Italian asbestos was no longer in demand
- It argued that Canadian chrysotile was more affordable
Correct Answer: It emphasized the differences in their applications
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights the unique properties of Canadian chrysotile, showcasing its distinct applications compared to Italian asbestos, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific characteristics of each variety.
What was a key factor that contributed to the increasing demand for Canadian asbestos in the late 1800s?
- The growing use of steam power
- The increasing popularity of asbestos-based building materials
- The development of new industrial applications for asbestos
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The increasing demand for Canadian asbestos was driven by a combination of factors, including the expanding use of steam power, the growing demand for asbestos-based building materials, and the discovery of new industrial applications for the mineral.