Elastic, normal-strength crysotile asbestos was studied by pulsed cath
odoluminescence spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and electrical measure
ments in the temperature range 290-1230 K. The temperature variations
of the luminescent properties and electrical resistance were found to
correlate with the structural changes caused by the dehydration and de
composition of the mineral. Evidence is presented for a structural pha
se transition of crysotile asbestos at temperatures between 540 and 57
0 K.