Chrysotile
Written by Boss Tambang Wednesday, 02 December 2009 00:04
Chrysotile is a mineral of the serpentine group that crystallizes in thin, flexible fibers. As you can see on this specimen, the thicker the vein, the longer the fibers. It is one of several different minerals of this type, suitable for use as fireproof fabric and many other uses, that together are called asbestos. Chrysotile is the dominant form of asbestos by far, and in the home it is generally harmless although asbestos workers must beware of lung disease due to overexposure to the fine airborne fibers. A specimen like this is completely benign.
The remainder of this rock is also serpentine, but in a massive form. Serpentine rock is the metamorphic product of magnesium-rich basalt that is subjected to high pressures and fairly low temperatures. The whole coastal region of northern California is made of that type of rock, the result of seafloor crust being subducted beneath the North American plate, then rapidly raised to the surface as the tectonic setting of the area changed. Particularly good-looking pieces are known as California jade, although true jade is tougher and lighter colored. Chrysotile is not to be confused with the mineral chrysolite, a name given to off-green varieties of olivine.
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