Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in the United States and a similar proportion in other countries. The material has physical properties which make it desirable for inclusion in building materials, but poses serious health risks when dispersed into air and inhaled.

Chrysotile fibers have considerable tensile strength, and may be spun into thread and woven into cloth. They are also resistant to heat and are excellent thermal, electrical and acoustic insulators. Historically Chrysotile asbestos was used in roofing, floor tiles, pipes, attic insulation, brake pads, gaskets, oven mitts, crayons, potting soil, fake snow (all of the fake snow in Wizard of Oz was asbestos) and many more applications.

When inhaled, the tiny fibers stick into and cause scar tissue build up in the lungs. Asbestos is the primary cause of Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer of the membrane lining the lungs and abdomen. When the link between asbestos and Mesothelioma was discovered, industry began phasing out it's use.

Asbestos regulations vary globally and often depend on the type of asbestos. Most countries, including the U.S., ban asbestos use. This includes a ban on amphibole types, like crocidolite and amosite. Some exemptions remain for chrysotile asbestos. It is allowed in certain products under specific conditions in the U.S. and Canada.

Chrysotile is one of the most dangerous minerals in this collection, the case should not be handled.