Chrysotile

Availability

Sold

Size

10 x 7 x 7 cm - Cabinet 

Formula

Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ (RRUFF)

Locality

Thetford mines, Quebec, Canada

I love this specimen, but of course it is evil and an enemy of the public. Literally billions and billions of dollars have been spent on the so-called asbestos "abatemant" programs. Yes, asbestos causes cancer, but you would have to breath in the fibers in quantity for long periods of time. It is sad many have died from asbestosis because the fibers floated in the air and was not recognized until after cancer set in. A specimen would do you no harm if handled carefully. In fact, it is a good example to show and educate teachers and friends. You can peel off the strands of asbestos. Keep it in a plastic bag, and you will be fine. Asbestos, is actually a textural term and many minerals exhibit a fibrous nature. This includes Talc, Actinolite, serpentine etc. All these minerals occur naturally. I believe it was California was to rope off an entire mountain range formed of serpentine.