Chrysotile, Serpentine

An attractive specimen of chrysotile on associated green serpentine, displaying well-developed fibrous structure and strong natural chatoyancy. The fibres exhibit an iridescent green tone with excellent lustre.

The Cassiar Mine, located in northern British Columbia, was one of Canada’s most significant chrysotile producers, operating from the early 1950s until its closure in 1992. Specimens from this historic locality have become increasingly collectible due to the mine’s importance in Canada’s industrial and mineralogical history.

Despite the well-known health concerns associated with asbestos in industrial contexts, chrysotile remains an important mineral species scientifically and crystallographically. This specimen stands out as a visually striking and historically meaningful example, representative of one of Canada’s best-known asbestos localities.