Described is an inorganic fiber comprising silica dioxide, calcium oxide, and alkali oxide having a free energy of hydration greater than (more positive than) -5.00 kcal/mol, an enthalpy of formation less than (more than negative than) -210.0 kcal/mol, a dissolution rate in simulated extra cellular fluid greater than 750 (calculated as nanograms of fiber/per square centimeter of fiber surface area/per hour) having an average fiber diameter not greater than 4.5 micrometers. Also described is a method of manufacturing the fibers.