Serpentine group mineral and the most common form of asbestos. Forms silky fibrous masses of curled fibers. Color: White, gray, green, yellowish. Luster: Silky to greasy. Streak: White. Cleavage: Fibrous. Hardness: 2.5-4. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Mg₃Si₂O₅ OH ₄. Specific gravity: 2.53. Formation: Forms by serpentinization of olivine and pyroxene in ultramafic rocks under hydrothermal conditions. Common geological settings: Canada Quebec , Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe; found in serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Common look-alikes and related entries: Tremolite asbestos, Antigorite, Lizardite. Specimen safety: Do not disturb, break, brush, cut, grind, or clean this fibrous specimen. Isolate it in a closed, clearly labelled container and seek qualified local guidance. Ordinary dust masks and home cleanup are not adequate controls for asbestos fibres.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:48.750089+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Asbestos fact sheet — U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Official guidance on asbestos fibre release, health risks, exposure prevention, and respiratory protection.
Serpentine group mineral and the most common form of asbestos. Forms silky fibrous masses of curled fibers.
How can you identify Chrysotile?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, gray, green, yellowish; lustre: Silky to greasy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 2.5-4; cleavage: Fibrous; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Chrysotile form?
Forms by serpentinization of olivine and pyroxene in ultramafic rocks under hydrothermal conditions.
Where is Chrysotile commonly found?
Canada Quebec , Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe; found in serpentinized ultramafic rocks.
Is Chrysotile safe to handle?
Do not disturb, break, brush, cut, grind, or clean this fibrous specimen. Isolate it in a closed, clearly labelled container and seek qualified local guidance. Ordinary dust masks and home cleanup are not adequate controls for asbestos fibres. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Chrysotile commonly confused with?
Chrysotile may be confused with Tremolite asbestos, Antigorite, Lizardite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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