RocksdayChrysotile vs Serpentine
How to tell them apart
Fibrous serpentine — the most common form of asbestos. Hazardous if its fibers are inhaled.
Photo: Eurico Zimbres, CC BY-SA 2.5
A group of green magnesium silicates formed when mantle rocks react with water. Smooth, greasy and often mottled like snakeskin.
Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0
Key differences
- Massive serpentine isn't fibrous.
Side by side
| Property | Chrysotile | Serpentine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–3 | 2.5–5 |
| Luster | Silky | Greasy to waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | White, Green, Yellow | Green, Yellow, Black |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic (fibrous) | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 2.5–2.6 | 2.5–2.6 |
| Formula | Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ | Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ |
| Found in | Thetford Mines, Quebec; Asbest, Russia | California; Liaoning, China |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify chrysotile
- Silky fibers in veins, running across the vein.
- Fibers can be teased apart like thread.
- Inside green serpentine rock.
Crystal system: Monoclinic (fibrous)
Full Chrysotile guide →How to identify serpentine
- Mottled green, often with darker streaks.
- Greasy or waxy feel when polished.
- Usually scratched by a knife.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Serpentine guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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