Chrysotile
greenwhiteyellow · Serpentine family
| Also known as | Serpentine (Serpentine family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Green, White, Yellow |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–3 |
| Lustre | Silky |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic: clinochrysotile (most common) Orthorhombic: orthochrysotile and parachrysotile (both rare) |
| Transparency | Translucent |
| Fracture | Fibrous |
| Chemical formula | Mg(SiO)(OH) (ideal) |
| Specific gravity | 2.53 g/ml |
What is Chrysotile?
Chrysotile (/ˈkrɪsəˌtʌɪl/, /ˈkrɪsəˌtaɪl/, or /ˈkrɪsətɪl/) or white asbestos is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in the United States and a similar proportion in other countries. It is a soft, fibrous silicate mineral in the serpentine subgroup of phyllosilicates; as such, it is distinct from other asbestiform minerals in the amphibole group. Its idealized chemical formula is Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4. The material has physical properties which make it desirable for inclusion in building materials, but poses serious health risks when dispers
How to identify Chrysotile
- Lustre: Silky.
- Hardness: Mohs 2.5–3 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Monoclinic: clinochrysotile (most common) Orthorhombic: orthochrysotile and parachrysotile (both rare) crystal system.
Chrysotile in different forms
Stones often confused with Chrysotile
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Chrysotile?
Chrysotile is Mohs 2.5–3 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Chrysotile?
Chrysotile is typically green, white, yellow (White to greyish green).