Chrysotile

Chrysotile is definately one of the weirder minerals. Its crystal structure is spirical, the crystals form in spirals and therefore are not able to produce any definate crystals like those commonly seen in other minerals. In addition to this, the peculiar habit leads the mineral to have a soft, wool like feeling. Chrysotile is a so called 'safe' asbestos and is still used in some applications today. Most asbestos are composed of small, needle like minerals, but because of chrysotile's soft, spirical habit, the inhiliation of chrysotile is by far less harmful than its 'bad asbestos' counterparts. Nevertheless, it is still seen as a cause for concern and shows limited use in industry as of late. Specimen measures nearly 2 inches tall and comes from Coleraine, Quebec, Canada.