Chrysotile is an asbestiform sub-group within the serpentine group of minerals. There are three known species of chrysotile: clinochrysotile, orthochrysotile and parachrysotile. The chemical formulae for the three are the same: Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4. Chrysotile varies in color from gray-white to golden yellow to green. It has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 which makes it a relatively soft mineral. The three varieties form the fibrous members of the serpentine group and have been extensively mined as asbestos.
Clinochrysotile is likely the most common variety. Like the other two species of chrysotile it is very difficult to distinguish from the other species in hand specimens. The fibers are examined using polarized light microscopy to determine what type it is. Parachrysotile is also referred to as alpha-chrysotile in some references. It is typically found in Québec, Canada.