Clinochrysotile
A structural variant of Chrysotile
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About Clinochrysotile
Formula:
Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
Colour:
Pale green to white, also yellow to brown, light gray.
Lustre:
Resinous, Greasy, Silky
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.53 - 2.55
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1843 by Franz von Kobell from the Greek chrysos - "gold" and tilos - "fiber." Re-named clinochrysotile by Eric James William Whittaker in 1951. This is by far the most common chrysotile structure and the most common commercial asbestos mineral. Chrysotile was reinstated as the species name of the chrysotile polytypes in 2006.
A polytype of Chrysotile
Clinochrysotile represents the monoclinic or triclinic polymorphs of chrysotile.
Whereas chrysotile (asbestos) has been known since ancient times from many localities, specimens from the Bell mine, one of the oldest mines in the Thetford Mines area (in operation since 1877), have been the subjects of most of the early structural studies, from which the chrysotile nomenclature was defined. These investigations identified monoclinic (Warren & Bragg 1930), and triclinic (Padurow 1950, Whittaker 1956a) polymorphs from the Bell mine, which should be considered the type locality. Clinochrysotile is no longer a valid species (Burke 2006).
Clinochrysotile represents the monoclinic or triclinic polymorphs of chrysotile.
Whereas chrysotile (asbestos) has been known since ancient times from many localities, specimens from the Bell mine, one of the oldest mines in the Thetford Mines area (in operation since 1877), have been the subjects of most of the early structural studies, from which the chrysotile nomenclature was defined. These investigations identified monoclinic (Warren & Bragg 1930), and triclinic (Padurow 1950, Whittaker 1956a) polymorphs from the Bell mine, which should be considered the type locality. Clinochrysotile is no longer a valid species (Burke 2006).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1071
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1071:5
IMA Classification of Clinochrysotile
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA, Renamed by the IMA
Approval history:
Renamed by IMA: 2006
Classification of Clinochrysotile
9.ED.
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
D : Phyllosilicates with kaolinite layers composed of tetrahedral and octahedral nets
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
D : Phyllosilicates with kaolinite layers composed of tetrahedral and octahedral nets
71.1.2d.1
71 : PHYLLOSILICATES Sheets of Six-Membered Rings
1 : Sheets of 6-membered rings with 1:1 layers
71 : PHYLLOSILICATES Sheets of Six-Membered Rings
1 : Sheets of 6-membered rings with 1:1 layers
14.4.5
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
4 : Silicates of Mg
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
4 : Silicates of Mg
Physical Properties of Clinochrysotile
Resinous, Greasy, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Pale green to white, also yellow to brown, light gray.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Flexible
Parting:
Cylinders of chrysotile separate as fine flexible threads or fibers.
Fracture:
Fibrous
Comment:
Somewhat brittle
Density:
2.53 - 2.55 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.63 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Clinochrysotile
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.545 - 1.569 nβ = 1.546 - 1.569 nγ = 1.553 - 1.571
2V:
Measured: 20° to 60°
Birefringence:
0.001-0.008
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.002 - 0.008
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Optical Extinction:
Inclined
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
May be weakly pleochroic
Chemistry of Clinochrysotile
Mindat Formula:
Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ti,Al,Fe,Cr,Mn,Ni,Ca
Crystallography of Clinochrysotile
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.3 Å, b = 9.19 Å, c = 14.63 Å
β = 93°
β = 93°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.577 : 1 : 1.592
Unit Cell V:
711.61 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Fibrous, although fine-grained clinochrysotile may be dense and homogeneous in appearance.
Comment:
Settings include Cc and C2/m. Falini et al. (2004) give a = 5.340, b = 9.241, c = 14.689 Å, β = 93.66° (space group Cc).
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.1 Å | (90) |
| 4.60 Å | (20) |
| 4.40 Å | (20) |
| 4.07 Å | (10) |
| 3.55 Å | (60) |
| 2.65 Å | (30) |
| 2.39 Å | (100) |
| 2.001 Å | (30) |
Comments:
21-1262 [Cc space group]
Synonyms of Clinochrysotile
Other Language Names for Clinochrysotile
German:Clinochrysotil
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 4 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with Zincite | ZnO |
| 4 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with Franklinite | Zn2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 4 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
| 3 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with Antigorite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 2 photos of Clinochrysotile associated with 'Demantoid' | Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3 |
| 1 photo of Clinochrysotile associated with 'Picrolite' | D3[Si2O5](OH)4 D= Mg, Fe, Ni, Mn, Al, Zn |
| 1 photo of Clinochrysotile associated with Chrysotile | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 1 photo of Clinochrysotile associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Clinochrysotile associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.ED.05 | Dickite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Nacrite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Odinite | (Fe,Mg,Al,Fe,Ti,Mn)2.4((Si,Al)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.10 | Halloysite | Al2Si2O5(OH)4 · n(H2O) |
| 9.ED.10 | Hisingerite | Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 9.ED.10 | 'Hydrohalloysite' | Al2Si2O5(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 9.ED.15 | Antigorite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Brindleyite | (Ni,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Fraipontite | (Zn,Al)3((Si,Al)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Népouite | Ni3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Pecoraite | Ni3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Guidottiite | Mn2Fe3+(Fe3+SiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Lizardite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Berthierine | (Fe2+,Fe3+,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Kellyite | Mn2+2Al(AlSiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Cronstedtite | Fe2+2Fe3+((Si,Fe3+)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Caryopilite | Mn2+3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 va | 'Chromoamesite' | Mg2(Al,Cr)(AlSiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Amesite | Mg2Al(AlSiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Greenalite | (Fe2+,Fe3+)2-3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Manandonite | Li2Al4(Si2AlB)O10(OH)8 |
| 9.ED.20 | Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 9.ED.20 | Neotocite | (Mn,Fe)SiO3 · H2O (?) |
| 9.ED.20 | Allophane | (Al2O3)(SiO2)1.3-2 · 2.5-3H2O |
| 9.ED.20 | Imogolite | Al2SiO3(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.25 | Bismutoferrite | Fe3+2Bi(SiO4)2(OH) |
| 9.ED.25 | Chapmanite | Fe3+2Sb3+(Si2O5)O3(OH) |
| 9.ED.30 | 'Pianlinite' | Al2Si2O6(OH)2 |
Fluorescence of Clinochrysotile
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Health Risks:
Safe when in large chunks or fragments. Fine particles which can be airborne should be avoided. Low-level frequent dust exposure may cause lung cancer.
Internet Links for Clinochrysotile
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1071.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Clinochrysotile
Reference List:
Warren, Β. E., Bragg, W. Lawrence (1931) The Structure of Chrysotile H4Mg3Si2O9. Zeitschrift für Krystallographie, 76 (1). 201-210 doi:10.1524/zkri.1931.76.1.201
Padurow, N.N. (1950) Über die Strukturzelle von Chrysotilasbest. Acta Crystallographica: 3: 204-208.
Whittaker, E. J. W. (1956) The structure of chrysotile. II. Clino-chrysotile. Acta Crystallographica, 9 (11) 855-862 doi:10.1107/s0365110x5600245x
Whittaker, E. J. W., Zussman, J. (1956) The characterization of serpentine minerals by X-ray diffraction. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 31 (233) 107-126 doi:10.1180/minmag.1956.031.233.01
Localities for Clinochrysotile
Showing 104 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Patterson |
| R. Bottrill |
| |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) | |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Kolitsch (2008) |
| Schantl (1975) |
Canada | |
| Cressey et al. (1976) |
| King (n.d.) |
| Taner et al. (1984) |
East Timor | |
| Lay et al. (2017) |
Eswatini | |
| King (n.d.) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Cedrick Gineste |
| Barber (1985) |
| |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| XRD analysis (T. Witzke) |
Hungary | |
| Kovács et al. (2003) |
| Koch: Minerals of Hungary |
| Ferro et al. (2003) |
Italy | |
| Barresi et al. (2005) |
| Pagano et al. (2001) |
| Redazionale (2005) | |
| Redazione (2005) |
| King (n.d.) |
| Collection of NHM |
| Vandall King |
Japan | |
| H. Okada (1964) |
| Satomi Enju (2018) |
| Motoiki Saito (1973) |
| Motoiki Saito (1973) |
Morocco | |
| Wafik et al. (2026) |
Namibia | |
| Bezing et al. (2007) |
| von Bezing (2007) |
Norway | |
| Andresen (1990) |
| Neumann et al. (1960) |
| Witsø (1995) |
| Witsø (1995) | |
| Witsø (2005) |
Poland | |
| Lis et al. (1986) |
| Rev. Min. 19 (1988) +2 other references |
Russia | |
| Mikhailova et al. (2018) |
Slovakia | |
| Ďuďa R. et al. (1993) |
| Pauliš et al. (2002) |
South Africa | |
| Northam Platinum |
| Northam Platinum |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| PMPB Meulenbeld collection |
| Paul Meulenbeld |
| Pohl et al. (1991) |
Southern Africa | |
| von Bezing et al. (2000) | |
Spain | |
| Joan Abella i Creus specimens |
Sweden | |
| Holtstam et al. (1999) |
| Nysten et al. (2009) | |
| Sandström et al. (2009) |
| Östra Värmlands Mineral Society | |
| Nysten (2004) |
Switzerland | |
| Dietrich (1972) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| King (n.d.) |
| King (n.d.) | |
| King (n.d.) |
| Grant et al. (2005) |
| Rice (1966) +3 other references |
| Page et al. (1967) +2 other references |
| Montoya et al. (1963) | |
| Stolburg (1984) |
| Schlocker (1974) +2 other references |
| Boucot et al. (1964) |
| Pavlides et al. (1962) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| pubs.usgs.gov (n.d.) | |
| King et al. (1994) |
| 'Serpentinite and Rodingite in the ... +14 other references |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Weber et al. (1965) |
| King (n.d.) | |
| Foshag (1926) +2 other references |
| Francis (2) +1 other reference |
| Peter Chin | |
| John H. Betts (2009) |
| Weber et al. (1965) |
| Michael W. Kieron coll. +1 other reference |
| |
| Chidester et al. (1978) |
| Rocks & Min. Vol. 71 (1996) |
Zimbabwe | |
| Cairncross (2004) | |
| Cairncross (2004) |
| Cairncross (2004) |
| Cairncross (2004) | |
| Cairncross (2004) |
| Cairncross (2004) | |
| Cairncross (2004) |
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Thetford Mines, Les Appalaches RCM, Chaudière-Appalaches, Québec, Canada